It is believed the quick-thinking actions of locals inside the pub potentially saved lives

O’Shea’s 79 Inn on Ballyfermot Road, Cherry Orchard, Dublin. (Image: Collins Photo Agency)

Gardai have harvested CCTV to try and identify a gunman who barged into a west Dublin pub following an earlier scrap.

Officers rushed to the scene of the terrifying incident at The 79 Inn in Ballyfermot on Saturday night – after receiving reports that a man wearing a balaclava entered the premises, wielding a firearm.

It is understood gardai were told of a fight that had broken out between a number of people who were socialising at the popular bar earlier in the evening. One of those men involved in the scrap is alleged to have left the premises – but is suspected of coming back later, armed with the gun.

It is believed the quick-thinking actions of locals inside the pub potentially saved lives as they pounced on the gunman and prevented him from opening fire. It is understood that a bar stool was also thrown at the gunman before he managed to flee the scene.

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Gardai are understood to have attempted to speak to a number of people in order to identify the potential target of the gunman – and those involved in the scrap – but are understood to have received little cooperation from those suspected to be involved.

Officers are understood to have now harvested CCTV from the pub as they make efforts to identify those involved. A member of staff at The 79 Inn said they would be making no comment when contacted by this paper.

Local Sinn Fein councillor Daithi Doolan condemned the incident as “wrong” and “totally unacceptable.”

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: )

“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 gardai said 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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