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15/08/2006
Republic manager confronted by gunman
Police are investigating a threat made to the Republic of Ireland football manager, Steve Staunton, yesterday evening.
The incident happened at around 8pm yesterday, at the Portmarnock Hotel near Dublin, where the Ireland team was staying.
It has been reported that Mr Staunton was in the car park talking on his phone when he was approached by a man wielding a gun.
The manager ran back to the hotel, and a 31-year-old man was later arrested on a beach close to the hotel.
The assailant was taken to Malahide Garda Station in Dublin, where he is still being questioned by police.
No weapon has been recovered as yet, however it is believed that it was a a plastic imitation Uzi sub-machine gun.
Gardai are carrying out searches surrounding the hotel.
A spokesperson for the Irish Police said: "We have one man in custody in relation to an incident that happened in Portmarnock shortly before 8pm.
"He was arrested in the vicinity under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.
"Gardai are continuing to search the area for the weapon."
The FAI have said that they are to step up security ahead of tomorrow's friendly match against Holland at Lansdowne Road.
In a statement, the FAI said: "The matter is now being dealt with by the Gardai.
"The Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton is absolutely fine and looking forward to training."
Yesterday's incident, was not the first of its kind to happen to the Republic of Ireland team.
Three years ago, a gunman fired shots through the ceiling of the hotel while players enjoyed an evening meal.
In a separate incident in 2003, two armed men entered the hotel and fired a single shot before making off with around £700.
Steve Staunton was appointed as Republic of Ireland manager in January 2006, after the team failed to qualify for the World Cup .
Former England manager Bobby Robson was appointed as his advisor and also recruited former Aston Villa coach Kevin McDonald to work alongside him.
(EF)
The incident happened at around 8pm yesterday, at the Portmarnock Hotel near Dublin, where the Ireland team was staying.
It has been reported that Mr Staunton was in the car park talking on his phone when he was approached by a man wielding a gun.
The manager ran back to the hotel, and a 31-year-old man was later arrested on a beach close to the hotel.
The assailant was taken to Malahide Garda Station in Dublin, where he is still being questioned by police.
No weapon has been recovered as yet, however it is believed that it was a a plastic imitation Uzi sub-machine gun.
Gardai are carrying out searches surrounding the hotel.
A spokesperson for the Irish Police said: "We have one man in custody in relation to an incident that happened in Portmarnock shortly before 8pm.
"He was arrested in the vicinity under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.
"Gardai are continuing to search the area for the weapon."
The FAI have said that they are to step up security ahead of tomorrow's friendly match against Holland at Lansdowne Road.
In a statement, the FAI said: "The matter is now being dealt with by the Gardai.
"The Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton is absolutely fine and looking forward to training."
Yesterday's incident, was not the first of its kind to happen to the Republic of Ireland team.
Three years ago, a gunman fired shots through the ceiling of the hotel while players enjoyed an evening meal.
In a separate incident in 2003, two armed men entered the hotel and fired a single shot before making off with around £700.
Steve Staunton was appointed as Republic of Ireland manager in January 2006, after the team failed to qualify for the World Cup .
Former England manager Bobby Robson was appointed as his advisor and also recruited former Aston Villa coach Kevin McDonald to work alongside him.
(EF)
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