It has emerged the man shot dead in north Dublin this morning was due to stand trial for a violent brawl outside the local school last November.

The victim, a member of the travelling community, was gunned down after dropping his child off in Balbriggan at around 9am.

The man, who was in his 30s, died on a footpath on Clonard Street after being shot several times by a masked gunman.

It happened just moments after dropping his child off at St Peter and Paul National School, which is just around the corner.

Gardaí at the scene | Image: Frank Greaney

His partner was shot in the leg and is being treated in hospital.

The man's body was removed from the scene at lunchtime and a post mortem is due to get underway.

One line of enquiry being pursued by gardaí investigating his murder is that he was targeted as part of an ongoing feud in the area.

Only last week, the victim was sent forward for trial charged with violent disorder, criminal damage and endangerment arising from a brawl outside the same school last November.

This is being considered as one of many possible motives.

The man's car has been taken away for tests, as well as a burnt out Ford Focus that was found nearby shortly after the attack.

Gardaí are asking witnesses to contact Balbriggan garda station on 01-802-0510, the Garda Confidential Line at 1-800-666-111 or any garda station.

Cathal McMahon is crime reporter with the Irish Mirror. He told the Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk earlier that the victim was known to the gardaí.