Man shot in the backside after answering door in Cork gun attack

Morgan Griffin (21) was shot and injured as he fled a gunman after answering the door to his home on Churchfield Avenue on the city's northside at approximately 4am.

Sources said Griffin, who has previous convictions for stealing cars and possession of a bow and arrow, was not seriously injured in the attack.

"The gunman fired twice, but only one of the bullets hit the injured party," the source said.

"The bullet seems to have travelled at a relatively low velocity, as it did not result in severe injury.

"A bullet casing was recovered at the scene."

Gardaí and emergency services were alerted in the immediate aftermath of the attack.

The injured man was subsequently rushed by ambulance to Cork University Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for his injuries.

A Garda technical examination of the scene was carried out yesterday.

Officers were also carrying out door-to-door enquiries seeking potential witnesses and canvassing houses in the area for CCTV.

Gardai hope to be given permission by doctors to speak to the victim when he is well enough to talk.

They also hope to check his phone to see with whom he may have been in contact prior to the shooting.

At this point, gardai are keeping an open mind on whether the gunman acted alone or whether he had an accomplice.

Victim Griffin is known to gfor a number of offences.

In February of 2021, he was ordered to serve 200 hours of community service in lieu of five months in prison after being arrested in possession of a bow and arrow 'capable of causing injury or incapacitating' at Cattle Market Avenue in Cork on May 16, 2019.

Griffin admitted possession of the bow and arrow but claimed he just had it for fun and firing at objects in a field.

In January of 2021, Griffin was convicted on a number of charges relating to his driving a scrambler motorbike on a pedestrian lane in a housing estate.

When gardaí asked for his documents, the court heard, he told officers to "go f*** yourself".

Judge Olann Kelleher imposed a fine of €850 and a suspended five-month sentence for having no insurance on the occasion.

Griffin (left) was fined €200 for having no licence and he was ordered to do 200 hours of community service instead of five months in prison for dangerous driving.

Sgt John Kelleher said the accused had three convictions for stealing vehicles and three for having no insurance.

He had been disqualified from driving at the time and was given a new disqualification of five years.

Gardaí yesterday appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

"Shortly before 4am, gardaí and emergency services were alerted following reports of a shooting at a house on Churchfield Avenue," a statement said.

"A man in his 20s was found at the scene with apparent gunshot wounds.

"He was taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital for treatment. His injures are not thought to be life-threatening.

"The scene is preserved for a technical and forensic examination. No arrests have been made at this time.

"Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information or anyone who may have witnessed this incident to come forward.

Gardaí can be contacted at Gurranabrahrer Garda Station 021 4946200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.