'Mad Nicky's' arms dump discovered in hedge

Police investigating the murder of a leading Irish National Liberation Army member who was also a racketeer have discovered a cache of arms.

Police investigating the murder of a leading Irish National Liberation Army member who was also a racketeer have discovered a cache of arms.

Two shotguns and ammunition, along with three wigs and a false beard, were found hidden in a hedge in Dundalk, Co Louth, according to a police spokesman.

They are believed to have belonged to 35-year-old Nicky O'Hare, the leader of a gang involved in extortion and protection in the town.

O'Hare, who was nicknamed "Mad Nicky", was shot eight times in the head and chest by two masked gunman last Saturday in what police believe was the work of professional hitmen.

He was believed to have set up the murder of Dundalk pub owner Stephen Connolly three weeks ago after the 24-year-old refused to pay IR£500 protection money.

O'Hare was also understood to be a leading figure in Republican terrorist splinter group the INLA and had been convicted of firearms offences and extortion.