The man who was blasted in the back of the head before being found dead in a blazing car has been confirmed to be missing gangster Wayne Whelan.
The 42-year-old was lured to his death in Lucan, Co Dublin on Monday night during the Republic of Ireland's game against Denmark.
The killer shot Whelan then set the Toyota Corolla, with his victim in the passenger seat, on fire in Mount Andrew Rise to cover his tracks.
The gun used in the murder was not left in the car and has not been recovered.
Gardai tonight confirmed the body was that of the west Dublin man following a DNA check.
In our exclusive photo, below, Whelan enjoys himself with pals not long after surviving an earlier attempt on his life.
Wearing a yellow hat, a Halloween outfit, and holding a drink, Whelan was out and about not long after a gunman had fired 10 bullets through his windscreen in September, hitting him in the chest, arms and head.
He was last seen on Monday afternoon, just hours before the brutal gangland murder on the Mount Andrew estate.
The convicted criminal was involved in organised crime and drugs and was a chief suspect in at least two murders.
Whelan was linked to the killing of drug dealer David ‘Chen’ Lynch, 42, who was gunned down in broad daylight on March 1 in the Foxdene area of Lucan, West Dublin.
The victim was also a suspect in the murder of violent criminal Mark Desmond, who was blasted to death three years ago.
It is understood one theory gardai are exploring is that the murder of Whelan was an act of revenge or a vendetta in retaliation for a vicious act he carried out.
Detectives issued an appeal today for information on the movements of the now burnt-out car.
Superintendent Paul Dolan said earlier at a press briefing in Lucan Garda Station: "The car itself was a navy Toyota car. Registration number; 05-CW-2225.
"This vehicle was sold on the 13th of November.
"I am appealing for any person who has seen this car or knows of its whereabouts since the 13th November to contact investigating Gardaí.
“I am also appealing to any person in Mount Andrew Estate, who saw this car or to any person who witnessed or has dashcam footage in relation to the incident on Monday night 18th November 2019.
“To help assist people in their recollection, the Ireland v Denmark International Soccer match was taking place at the time."
