Rafferty murder inquest adjourned for a year

The inquest into the death of Dublin man Joseph Rafferty who was shot dead outside his home has been adjourned for a year by the Dublin County Coroners Court.

Rafferty (29), with an address at Hayworth Court, Ongar, Clonsilla, was shot dead as he came out of his home in the early hours of April 12th. The court heard today he was killed by a single shot to the chest.

Gardai today applied for an adjournment of the inquest due to the fact there was an ongoing criminal investigation into the killing.

Det Insp Thomas O'Loughlin told the Coroner, Dr Kieran Geraghty, this investigation "may take considerable time" and asked for a year's adjournment.

Dr Geraghty adjourned the inquest to November 14th, 2006.

Members of the Rafferty family were not present at the inquest.

The claim Joseph Rafferty was shot dead by a Provisional IRA member after arguing with a republican family. Sinn Fein denies the claim.