Marksman appeals refusal of gun licences
AN award-winning marksman said a garda decision to refuse him licences for six high-powered competition handguns was like asking Padraig Harrington to tee off in the US Masters with a hurley.
Patrick Herlihy -- a captain of Ireland's precision pistol team -- yesterday appealed to Cork District Court against the refusal by Garda Chief Superintendent Michael Finn to renew his firearms licences.
The appeal is effectively a test case for hundreds of Irish gun owners who face losing handguns under Justice Minister Dermot Ahern's new crackdown on gun licences.
The Firearms Act enacted last August effectively banned all handguns and short-barrelled weapons with the exception of Olympic competition .22 calibre guns.
Mr Herlihy -- a respected businessman -- said yesterday he could not understand how gardai had no problem granting him licences for four years, but now suddenly regarded the weapons as a potential threat.
Gardai stressed the licence refusals were not a personal reflection on Mr Herlihy, but the enforcement of new laws.
Mr Herlihy told Judge Dave Riordan that all six guns were essential to enable him to compete in various EGRF/World Association 1500 precision pistol competitions.
Judge Riordan directed that written submissions be made on Monday and he reserved judgment on the matter until November 30.
- Ralph Riegel
Irish Independent
