Mum of murdered Zach Parker tells of 'delight' that his crime boss is jailed
The mother of murder victim Zach Parker says she's 'delighted' that his boss Glen Ward is now in jail - as she warns against a life of crime and says: "The Gucci Gang is gone".Drug dealer Zach Parker (23) was gunned down outside a gym in Swords, North Co Dublin, metres from his family home on January 17, 2019 - the first gangland murder of the bitter Coolock feud that also saw three of his pals killed.Speaking as she marked what should've been Zach's 30th birthday this week, a heartbroken Siobhan Parker said her son wanted out of his life of crime - and revealed how she learned of his involvement in the notorious 'Gucci Gang' led by Glen Ward. Ward (32) was in April finally unmasked as the criminal referred to as 'Mr Flashy' after he was jailed to five years and six months in prison for firing a semi automatic rifle from the back door of a Finglas home.
Speaking at her son's graveside as she placed 30th birthday balloons, Ms Parker, who said she doesn't blame Ward for involving her son in a life of crime told us: 'Yeah I was delighted like (that he went to jail) but at the same time they're still in a prison where they're gonna be looked after and everything.
'No I don't (blame him). We all have our demons, we all have our own personalities. If you want to do something you do it. But if you're groomed you're groomed. They'll be out in no time. Bullet proof vests are not going to save you. Zach got shot in the head. A Louis Vuitton bag is not gonna save you either. It's just bling bling bling.'Speaking about marking her son's birthday Ms Parker said: 'It's Zach's 30th birthday. He would've loved to have had a party. He's probably having a party up there. It's to acknowledge a milestone he didn't catch up on.'
Describing the past six and a half years since her son's death as 'horrific,' Ms Parker said: 'I've been in rehab twice, I've been in hospital. But hopefully things will get better. The Gucci Gang is gone.' It is believed that Zach was murdered after seeking a drug debt from a young criminal in the North Dublin area.Ms Parker says she knew her son was involved in drug dealing but that she only learned how deep after he died - when she met Glen Ward and close pal Sean Little after he died. Little was himself shot dead in May 2019 - as he looked for revenge for the murder of Zach.
'I actually didn't really know the depths that he was in. You know, I knew the circumstances of the drug situation but now it's getting worse and like they're going around on scooters getting paid left right and centre and it's getting worse and worse. So I reckon Zach is probably in a better place. He was harmless,' Ms Parker told us.Warning other young people away from a life of crime she added: 'I used to love on a Sunday evening watching Love/Hate. I thought it was the best thing until it was reality for me. They (young people) don't listen to their Mammies anyway. They're going around on scooters and getting paid. That's great for them at that age - getting a pair of runners for nothing. You know what I mean, like they're grooming them.'Speaking about the first time she met Glen Ward, Sean Little and other members of the notorious 'Gucci Gang' which terrorised Finglas, Ms Parker said: 'I didn't really know until I went into Beaumont that night and that's when I met the lads. Like Sean Little and that. I never met them before. (Glen Ward) was there yeah but I wouldn't have known him. They had a vigil and he was there as well.
'Zach wanted to get out of it. He never told me anything now. He would never tell me anything. He was in the Gucci Gang and he was the first to die in the Gucci Gang. And then poor Sean.'I personally think Zach was a lovely fella and he was the bestest barber in Swords, so people keep telling me. He was a softie. I don't even know how he got into the drug situation but it's money.'
Saying her 'life changed' when Zach died, Ms Parker said Sean Little vowed for revenge - and told her partner that he would find who was responsible before he was blasted to death on 21 May 2019.'Absolutely one million per cent (he wanted revenge) for Zach. He loved him. He was a very lovable person. He was a big softie like deep down.
'Sean Little came in to me and he said he doesn't owe money, I can promise you here and now. The day after he passed he came in and said he didn't owe money. He said to Gary I'm gonna find out who f*cking did this. They were so close. I didn't realise. He said he's gonna find out if it kills him. It did kill him didn't it?'Speaking about the moment she found out her son had been shot dead at the front of the gym, which was located just over a wall next to her home, Ms Parker said:'Gary, he came in. I was in the bedroom watching telly, he came in and said did you hear that and I said yeah, what the f*cks going on. Then I seen him running across the way and I looked out the window. I started ringing Zach to see what was going on. I didn't realise it was him. Then I went over and he was getting CPR done on him. They said go straight into Beaumont.'So we went straight in. My friend texted Oh My God there's been a shooting at the gym, someone's dead. It's horrific. I'm so angry.'In August 2022 the DPP directed no charges be brought against a suspect arrested by gardai in connection with Zach's murder. It is understood the young man has connections to deceased crime boss Tommy 'The Zombie' Savage, who died of natural causes at the age of 71 in 2021.Ms Parker says she doesn't know why her son was murdered - but that she hopes to one day get justice for his death.'They said no charges. I'd have my suspicions. I want to get justice. I'm not going to get closure but I do want to get justice,' she said. 'But I do think he's in a better place because the way things are going now they don't just shoot you after three months they shoot you straight away.'Saying she believed her own son was groomed into a life of crime, Ms Parker said it started with his friendship with the late Sean Little. I do yeah definitely 100 per cent (think Zach was groomed). Sean Little came in and got his haircut and never met him before in his life.'He had a good life ahead of him. He could've opened up his own barber and cleaned up. I'm not just saying it because I'm his Mam. He was the best barber in Swords. 'He used to draw all his tattoos and then go in and get them done. I didn't know until he was dead that he was in it. I never met them until that night,' she said.Ms Parker says she is relieved that the crime gang led by Glen Ward - which featured the likes of her son, Sean Little Hamid Sanambar, Caolan Smyth and others, is now gone - but she fears it will be replaced with another. 'It's well gone now. I am relieved but it'll be another gang, there will be another name.'It isn't good because you're watching your back left right and centre,' she said.Ms Parker has since left the house she lived in in Swords - because it carries with it too many painful memories. 'We knew we couldn't stay in the house. I couldn't stay there. I was looking out the window at it (the place he was killed),' she said.
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Dublin Live
12 hours ago
- Dublin Live
'The Gucci gang is gone' says mum of murdered Zach Parker after Glen Ward jailed
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The mother of murder victim Zach Parker says she's "delighted" that his boss Glen Ward is now in jail - as she warns against a life of crime and says: "The Gucci Gang is gone". Drug dealer Zach Parker (23) was gunned down outside a gym in Swords metres from his family home on January 17, 2019 - the first gangland murder of the bitter Coolock feud that also saw three of his pals killed. Speaking as she marked what should've been Zach's 30th birthday this week, a heartbroken Siobhan Parker said her son wanted out of his life of crime - and revealed how she learned of his involvement in the notorious 'Gucci Gang' led by Glen Ward. Ward (32) was in April finally unmasked as the criminal referred to as 'Mr Flashy' after he was jailed to five years and six months in prison for firing a semi automatic rifle from the back door of a Finglas home. Speaking at her son's graveside as she placed 30th birthday balloons, Ms Parker, who said she doesn't blame Ward for involving her son in a life of crime told us: "Yeah I was delighted like (that he went to jail) but at the same time they're still in a prison where they're gonna be looked after and everything. "No I don't (blame him). We all have our demons, we all have our own personalities. If you want to do something you do it. But if you're groomed you're groomed. "They'll be out in no time. Bullet proof vests are not going to save you. Zach got shot in the head. A Louis Vuitton bag is not gonna save you either. It's just bling bling bling." Speaking about marking her son's birthday Ms Parker said: "It's Zach's 30th birthday. He would've loved to have had a party. He's probably having a party up there. It's to acknowledge a milestone he didn't catch up on." Describing the past six and a half years since her son's death as "horrific," Ms Parker said: "I've been in rehab twice, I've been in hospital. But hopefully things will get better. The Gucci Gang is gone." It is believed that Zach was murdered after seeking a drug debt from a young criminal in the North Dublin area. Ms Parker says she knew her son was involved in drug dealing but that she only learned how deep after he died - when she met Glen Ward and close pal Sean Little after he died. Little was himself shot dead in May 2019 - as he looked for revenge for the murder of Zach. "I actually didn't really know the depths that he was in. You know, I knew the circumstances of the drug situation but now it's getting worse and like they're going around on scooters getting paid left right and centre and it's getting worse and worse. So I reckon Zach is probably in a better place. He was harmless," Ms Parker told us. Warning other young people away from a life of crime she added: "I used to love on a Sunday evening watching Love/Hate. I thought it was the best thing until it was reality for me. "They (young people) don't listen to their Mammies anyway. They're going around on scooters and getting paid. That's great for them at that age - getting a pair of runners for nothing. You know what I mean, like they're grooming them." Speaking about the first time she met Glen Ward, Sean Little and other members of the notorious 'Gucci Gang' which terrorised Finglas, Ms Parker said: "I didn't really know until I went into Beaumont that night and that's when I met the lads. Like Sean Little and that. "I never met them before. (Glen Ward) was there yeah but I wouldn't have known him. They had a vigil and he was there as well. "Zach wanted to get out of it. He never told me anything now. He would never tell me anything. He was in the Gucci Gang and he was the first to die in the Gucci Gang. And then poor Sean. "I personally think Zach was a lovely fella and he was the bestest barber in Swords, so people keep telling me. He was a softie. I don't even know how he got into the drug situation but it's money." Saying her "life changed" when Zach died, Ms Parker said Sean Little vowed for revenge - and told her partner that he would find who was responsible before he was blasted to death on 21 May 2019. She said: "Absolutely one million per cent (he wanted revenge) for Zach. He loved him. He was a very lovable person. He was a big softie like deep down. "Sean Little came in to me and he said he doesn't owe money, I can promise you here and now. The day after he passed he came in and said he didn't owe money. "He said to Gary I'm gonna find out who f*cking did this. They were so close. I didn't realise. He said he's gonna find out if it kills him. It did kill him didn't it?" Speaking about the moment she found out her son had been shot dead at the front of the gym, which was located just over a wall next to her home, Ms Parker said: "Gary, he came in. I was in the bedroom watching telly, he came in and said did you hear that and I said yeah, what the f*cks going on. "Then I seen him running across the way and I looked out the window. I started ringing Zach to see what was going on. I didn't realise it was him. "Then I went over and he was getting CPR done on him. They said go straight into Beaumont. "So we went straight in. My friend texted Oh My God there's been a shooting at the gym, someone's dead. It's horrific. I'm so angry." In August 2022 the DPP directed no charges be brought against a suspect arrested by gardai in connection with Zach's murder. It is understood the young man has connections to deceased crime boss Tommy 'The Zombie' Savage, who died of natural causes at the age of 71 in 2021. Ms Parker says she doesn't know why her son was murdered - but that she hopes to one day get justice for his death. "They said no charges. I'd have my suspicions. I want to get justice. I'm not going to get closure but I do want to get justice," she said. "But I do think he's in a better place because the way things are going now they don't just shoot you after three months, they shoot you straight away." Saying she believed her own son was groomed into a life of crime, Ms Parker said it started with his friendship with the late Sean Little. She said: "I do yeah definitely 100 per cent (think Zach was groomed). Sean Little came in and got his haircut and never met him before in his life. "He had a good life ahead of him. He could've opened up his own barber and cleaned up. I'm not just saying it because I'm his Mam. He was the best barber in Swords. "He used to draw all his tattoos and then go in and get them done. I didn't know until he was dead that he was in it. I never met them until that night." Ms Parker says she is relieved that the crime gang led by Glen Ward - which featured the likes of her son, Sean Little, Hamid Sanambar, Caolan Smyth, and others, is now gone - but she fears it will be replaced with another. "It's well gone now. I am relieved but it'll be another gang, there will be another name."It isn't good because you're watching your back left right and centre," she said. Ms Parker has since left the house she lived in in Swords - because it carries with it too many painful memories. "We knew we couldn't stay in the house. I couldn't stay there. I was looking out the window at it (the place he was killed)," she said. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Times
16 hours ago
- Irish Times
Shelbourne FC Academy soccer player awarded €17,500 over injuries sustained during training
A judge has approved a €17,500 settlement offer to a promising young soccer player who was injured just over two years ago during training with Shelbourne Football Club Academy. Barrister Michael Murray told the Circuit Civil Court on Wednesday that Ryan Darcy, now aged 14, of Beresford Gardens, Donabate, Co Dublin, had suffered two lacerations to his face while doing box jumps at the AUL League Complex Facility in Clonshaugh, Coolock, Dublin, in March 2023. Mr Murray, who appeared with Downes Solicitors, told Judge Fiona O'Sullivan that Ryan, a promising young soccer player, was 11 when he suffered facial injuries during agility exercises at football training. He said an application was made on his behalf to the Injuries Resolution Board last September and, following negotiations during mediation, an offer of €17,500 compensation to the boy, together with €8,537 special damages for costs, fees and expenses, was agreed with the Shelbourne academy. READ MORE Mr Murray said Ryan had been instructed by coaching staff to jump from a press-up position and had struck what was described as 'a negligently placed weights bar', causing him to suffer lacerations to his forehead and his right eyelid. He had been taken to the accident and emergency department of Temple Street Children's Hospital, where his injuries had been treated before his discharge into the care of his GP, Dr Peter Watson of the Donabate Clinic. Ryan's father, Robert Darcy, in written evidence, told the judge his son was later treated by Prof Sean M Carroll, an expert in micro and plastic surgery at the Beacon Consultants Private Clinic, Sandyford, Dublin. In a medical report, Prof Carroll said two scars on Ryan's face, following treatment, had recovered so well that just under a year after the incident, they were barely noticeable at conversation distance. Cold weather conditions made them noticeable. The court heard Ryan had undergone an ophthalmological review because of the proximity of the second injury to his eye. The judge said Ryan had suffered nasty injuries but had recovered extremely well. She was satisfied to approve the €17,500 offer to be lodged in court together with €8,537 in special damages to be paid out to his solicitor.
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Mum of murdered Zach Parker tells of 'delight' that his crime boss is jailed
The mother of murder victim Zach Parker says she's 'delighted' that his boss Glen Ward is now in jail - as she warns against a life of crime and says: "The Gucci Gang is gone".Drug dealer Zach Parker (23) was gunned down outside a gym in Swords, North Co Dublin, metres from his family home on January 17, 2019 - the first gangland murder of the bitter Coolock feud that also saw three of his pals as she marked what should've been Zach's 30th birthday this week, a heartbroken Siobhan Parker said her son wanted out of his life of crime - and revealed how she learned of his involvement in the notorious 'Gucci Gang' led by Glen Ward. Ward (32) was in April finally unmasked as the criminal referred to as 'Mr Flashy' after he was jailed to five years and six months in prison for firing a semi automatic rifle from the back door of a Finglas home. Speaking at her son's graveside as she placed 30th birthday balloons, Ms Parker, who said she doesn't blame Ward for involving her son in a life of crime told us: 'Yeah I was delighted like (that he went to jail) but at the same time they're still in a prison where they're gonna be looked after and everything. 'No I don't (blame him). We all have our demons, we all have our own personalities. If you want to do something you do it. But if you're groomed you're groomed. They'll be out in no time. Bullet proof vests are not going to save you. Zach got shot in the head. A Louis Vuitton bag is not gonna save you either. It's just bling bling bling.'Speaking about marking her son's birthday Ms Parker said: 'It's Zach's 30th birthday. He would've loved to have had a party. He's probably having a party up there. It's to acknowledge a milestone he didn't catch up on.' Describing the past six and a half years since her son's death as 'horrific,' Ms Parker said: 'I've been in rehab twice, I've been in hospital. But hopefully things will get better. The Gucci Gang is gone.' It is believed that Zach was murdered after seeking a drug debt from a young criminal in the North Dublin Parker says she knew her son was involved in drug dealing but that she only learned how deep after he died - when she met Glen Ward and close pal Sean Little after he died. Little was himself shot dead in May 2019 - as he looked for revenge for the murder of Zach. 'I actually didn't really know the depths that he was in. You know, I knew the circumstances of the drug situation but now it's getting worse and like they're going around on scooters getting paid left right and centre and it's getting worse and worse. So I reckon Zach is probably in a better place. He was harmless,' Ms Parker told other young people away from a life of crime she added: 'I used to love on a Sunday evening watching Love/Hate. I thought it was the best thing until it was reality for me. They (young people) don't listen to their Mammies anyway. They're going around on scooters and getting paid. That's great for them at that age - getting a pair of runners for nothing. You know what I mean, like they're grooming them.'Speaking about the first time she met Glen Ward, Sean Little and other members of the notorious 'Gucci Gang' which terrorised Finglas, Ms Parker said: 'I didn't really know until I went into Beaumont that night and that's when I met the lads. Like Sean Little and that. I never met them before. (Glen Ward) was there yeah but I wouldn't have known him. They had a vigil and he was there as well. 'Zach wanted to get out of it. He never told me anything now. He would never tell me anything. He was in the Gucci Gang and he was the first to die in the Gucci Gang. And then poor Sean.'I personally think Zach was a lovely fella and he was the bestest barber in Swords, so people keep telling me. He was a softie. I don't even know how he got into the drug situation but it's money.' Saying her 'life changed' when Zach died, Ms Parker said Sean Little vowed for revenge - and told her partner that he would find who was responsible before he was blasted to death on 21 May 2019.'Absolutely one million per cent (he wanted revenge) for Zach. He loved him. He was a very lovable person. He was a big softie like deep down. 'Sean Little came in to me and he said he doesn't owe money, I can promise you here and now. The day after he passed he came in and said he didn't owe money. He said to Gary I'm gonna find out who f*cking did this. They were so close. I didn't realise. He said he's gonna find out if it kills him. It did kill him didn't it?'Speaking about the moment she found out her son had been shot dead at the front of the gym, which was located just over a wall next to her home, Ms Parker said:'Gary, he came in. I was in the bedroom watching telly, he came in and said did you hear that and I said yeah, what the f*cks going on. Then I seen him running across the way and I looked out the window. I started ringing Zach to see what was going on. I didn't realise it was him. Then I went over and he was getting CPR done on him. They said go straight into Beaumont.'So we went straight in. My friend texted Oh My God there's been a shooting at the gym, someone's dead. It's horrific. I'm so angry.'In August 2022 the DPP directed no charges be brought against a suspect arrested by gardai in connection with Zach's murder. It is understood the young man has connections to deceased crime boss Tommy 'The Zombie' Savage, who died of natural causes at the age of 71 in Parker says she doesn't know why her son was murdered - but that she hopes to one day get justice for his death.'They said no charges. I'd have my suspicions. I want to get justice. I'm not going to get closure but I do want to get justice,' she said. 'But I do think he's in a better place because the way things are going now they don't just shoot you after three months they shoot you straight away.'Saying she believed her own son was groomed into a life of crime, Ms Parker said it started with his friendship with the late Sean Little. I do yeah definitely 100 per cent (think Zach was groomed). Sean Little came in and got his haircut and never met him before in his life.'He had a good life ahead of him. He could've opened up his own barber and cleaned up. I'm not just saying it because I'm his Mam. He was the best barber in Swords. 'He used to draw all his tattoos and then go in and get them done. I didn't know until he was dead that he was in it. I never met them until that night,' she Parker says she is relieved that the crime gang led by Glen Ward - which featured the likes of her son, Sean Little Hamid Sanambar, Caolan Smyth and others, is now gone - but she fears it will be replaced with another. 'It's well gone now. I am relieved but it'll be another gang, there will be another name.'It isn't good because you're watching your back left right and centre,' she Parker has since left the house she lived in in Swords - because it carries with it too many painful memories. 'We knew we couldn't stay in the house. I couldn't stay there. I was looking out the window at it (the place he was killed),' she said.
