The Sun
Joanne McElgunn
Dog saves owner from masked shooters
A devoted dog named BULLET saved its owner from certain death when it jumped in front of him as a gunman opened fire. The St Bernard puppy leapt to the defence of Declan Gallagher when an armed gang tried to kill him. The thugs indiscriminately opened fire, shooting Gallagher in the neck before kidnapping his terrified girlfriend.
The 26-year-old was sitting in his car with his partner in St Johnston village, Co Donegal, when the four-man execution squad struck.
Gallagher - though seriously injured - managed to drive away. His girlfriend, who had jumped from the car when the shooting began, was abducted by the gang. They threw her into the back of a blue van before dumping her on the side of the road some kilometres away.
The masked gang struck at 9.20pm on Thursday as Gallagher, his partner and their pet, sat in their car outside their home. As bullets shattered the windows of the vehicle, Gallagher dived for cover while his hero pet tried to save him. One bullet missed the man's head by inches - slicing though his neck. His dog - now nicknamed Bullet by vets - was hit in the side, leaving a horrific wound.
On the verge of unconsciousness, Gallagher managed to drive himself to a neighbour's house. He was rushed to Letterkenny Hospital where he underwent surgery. Gardai suspect the involvement of the Real IRA.
Gallagher, originally from the Creggan area of Derry, moved to Donegal in March. Sources say he moved because he knew his life was in danger.
One insider said: "People are stunned and horrified at what happened. It's amazing no-one died."
A Garda spokesman said: "We can confirm a number of masked men approached the car and fired at least one shot through the window, injuring the man in the neck. He was taken to hospital where he is described as stable.
"The female passenger, who is in her 20s, was bundled into a van by the masked men and later dumped about a kilometre or two away from the original incident. "Anyone with information should contact Letterkenny Garda Station at 074 9167100."
The injured pup was brought to the Donegal Animal Hospital in Letterkenny where he underwent a four-hour operation. Vet Dr Gerald Roarty said: "It was touch and go. It was major surgery. We had to remove some of his intestine and give him blood. "He had a massive exit wound.
"We don't know what his name is, but we're calling him Bullet. He's a terrific wee pup and only three months old. We're delighted he is recovering so well. "If his owner doesn't come to claim him, my daughter Constance is going to bring him home and look after him."
A MAN has been found dead after a suspected gangland hit in Dublin. The man in his 40s, who has not been named, suffered injuries to the head. His body was found off Mill Lane in Palmerstown yesterday evening.
Previous Article
Post a Comment