An armed man wearing a balaclava allegedly the pub after a fight had broken out earlier in the evening
09:41, 12 Jan 2026Updated 09:55, 12 Jan 2026
Screengrab from viral video showing gardai near the 79 Inn in Ballyfermot where a man entered the bar armed with a gun on Saturday evening.(Image: )
Gardai are analysing CCTV footage in an attempt to identify a gunman who stormed into a Dublin pub following an earlier altercation.
The 79 Inn in Ballyfermot was the scene of a frightening incident on Saturday night, with officers responding to reports of a balaclava-clad man brandishing a firearm within the premises. It’s understood that Gardai were informed about a brawl that had erupted among several patrons at the popular bar earlier that evening.
One of the men involved in the scuffle is alleged to have left the venue, only to return later armed with a gun. Quick-thinking locals inside the pub are believed to have potentially saved lives by tackling the gunman and preventing him from firing his weapon.
It’s also reported that a bar stool was hurled at the gunman before he managed to escape. Gardai have reportedly tried to interview several individuals to identify the intended target of the gunman and those involved in the earlier fight, but it’s understood they’ve received minimal cooperation from those suspected of involvement, reports the Irish Mirror.
O’Shea’s 79 Inn on Ballyfermot Road, Cherry Orchard, Dublin.(Image: Collins Photo Agency)
Officers are now examining CCTV footage from the pub as part of their efforts to identify those involved. A staff member at The 79 Inn declined to comment when approached by Dublin Live.
Local Sinn Fein councillor Daithi Doolan has condemned the incident, labelling it as “wrong” and “totally unacceptable. “This attack put everyone in the bar at risk. It was totally unacceptable. This is an attack on this whole, decent community.
“This community has suffered enough. The Minister for Justice must get to grips with Dublin’s gun crime. This government must ensure our communities are safe places for everyone,” he added.
“I would appeal to anyone with any information to cooperate with the Gardaí and ensure those involved face justice.”
In a statement, the Gardaí reported they are “investigating an incident at a licensed premises in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, yesterday evening, Saturday 10th January 2026. No injuries have been reported. Enquiries are ongoing,” a garda spokesperson said.
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