Garda searches linked to Kevin Lunney attack conclude in Co.Cavan

By Rebecca Black

Gardai have conducted a number of searches in Co Cavan as part of a cross-border probe into the abduction and assault of a businessman.

Kevin Lunney, chief operating officer at Quinn Industrial Holdings (QIH), sustained "life-changing" injuries in what the PSNI described as a "most severe and savage" attack.

Mr Lunney, a father of six, was attacked as he arrived at his home in Derrylin, Co Fermanagh, on Tuesday.

He was driven away before being subjected to a beating at an unknown location.

The incident is the latest in a five-year campaign of violence and intimidation directed at the management that has been running Quinn Industrial Holdings since the fall of Sean Quinn, who was once Ireland's richest man.

The Garda and PSNI are conducting a joint cross-border investigation into the incident.

Gardai officers completed the search on Monday in the Ballinagh area of Cavan.

An Garda Siochana said that "for operational reasons" they are not making any further comment in relation to the search.

They are continuing to liaise closely with the PSNI and assisting with the investigation.

On Monday night, a spokesman made a further appeal for witnesses.

"An Garda Siochana are extending their appeal to any person in the wider Cavan area extending from Ballyconnell/Belturbet to Cavan Town, Ballinagh and the townland of Drumbrade who saw a black saloon Audi on Tuesday 17 September between the hours of 6pm and 10pm, or any person with dashcam footage along the N87, N3, N55 and local roads, to make contact," a statement said.

"An Garda Siochana further appeals to any person who has any information on this criminal attack or other criminal activities which have taken place in the Cavan/Fermanagh border area over recent years to make contact with An Garda Siochana at Cavan Garda Station, 049 4368800, the Garda Confidential Number 1800 666111, or any Garda station."

An area of Drumbade just outside the village of Ballinagh was the focus of the search on Sunday.

Derrylin parish priest Father Gerard Alwill made an appeal across weekend masses for an end to the violence, "before somebody gets killed".