It has only been a few months since John Gilligan walked from jail a free man, however a criminal investigation is underway following reports that an attempt has been made on his life.
A gunman entered a pub on the Navan Road in Dublin yesterday afternoon in search of the convicted drug dealer.
RTÉ News have reported that an armed man, wearing a motorcycle helmet made his way into the pub on the outskirts of the capital yesterday afternoon and walked around looking for someone.
A barman challenged the gunman, who shouted at him, "Where's Gilligan?" before leaving on a motorbike.
Gardaí caught up with the motorbike on the River Road in Finglas however the driver got away following a short pursuit.
Officers are said to have recovered a 9mm handgun, which the man flung from the bike, and the weapon is now being forensically examined.
Detectives have warned the 61-year-old, who was located at a pub nearby the area, that his life is in danger and have advised him on his own personal security.
Gilligan was due to appear in the High Court this morning as part of an attempt to prevent the sale of Jessbrook, the equestrian centre in Co Kildare, seized from him by the Criminal Assets Bureau.
