Thomas “Tonni” Keevan was speaking after gardai secured 6 convictions arising out of the incident in Carrick on Suir in 2009- with four of those involved now behind bars.
Five years on and the 62 year old says their terrifying ordeal continues to impact heavily on both him and his family.
Their safe and secure life abruptly ended on the 9th of January 2009 through the actions of an armed and masked gang who targeted the licensed firearms dealer.
During the aggravated burglary they repeatedly threatened to murder him and his partner Rita who had just returned from a night socialising – as well as his teenage daughter and another elderly man in their home at the entrance to Cregg House.
After tying them up and putting them in the strong room- the gang then escaped with over 40 guns , cash and a family car – later found burnt out near Monard.
After a number of hours Rita managed to free herself from her bonds and raise the alarm – During the subsequent investigation- one of the largest outside Dublin – Clonmel garda made over 40 arrests – and 6 convictions have now been secured.
Among them Darren O'Regan from Lisadobber in Carrick on Suir who yesterday was jailed for four years for his role in the aggravated burglary.- He was described in court as the man who set up the raid and got paid 2 thousand euro for his role in directing the gang towards Mr Keevan.
Tonnie says he was shocked to discover that somebody who he had known to see around – was actually responsible for directing the criminals his way and his relieved by the prison term handed down.
Since the raid the family have moved twice and now settled in Carrick on Suir itself which has helped restore some sense of security for them – being away from a rural isolated setting.
However Tonnie says while both Rita and Jenny appear to be coping better, nothing is the same.
And you can hear that interview in full on our podcast of today’s Tipp Today show http://tippfm.podomatic.com
