Gardaí in Limerick have arrested five men as part of their ongoing investigation into a number of murders in the city and criminal activity.
Three of those being held were arrested in prisons in Dublin and the midlands this morning.
Two others were arrested in Limerick. They are being held at a number of garda stations in Dublin and Limerick.
They are being questioned about the murders of 28-year-old rugby player Shane Geoghegan, who was shot near his home in Dooradoyle in November 2008.
In addition, gardaí are also questioning the men about the murder in April 2009 of 34-year-old Roy Collins, who was shot as he worked in the family amusement arcade in Roxboro.
They are also being questioned about the murder in April 2008 of 20-year-old James Cronin, whose body was found buried in undergrowth in a field near the railway line in Limerick city centre.
All three were victims of gang violence.
Gardaí are also questioning the five men about criminal activity, including a number of shooting incidents.
It is an ongoing operation and a number of follow-up searches are continuing.
