The quiet coastal town of Fuengirola, located in the sunny region of Andalucia, Spain, was shaken by a violent and shocking incident that took place at one of its well-known local spots, Monaghan’s Bar. On a Saturday evening, two men previously linked to Glasgow’s criminal underworld, Eddie Lyons Jr and Ross Monaghan, were shot dead in a brazen attack that stunned locals, tourists, and expatriates alike. This tragic event has drawn attention not only because of the violent nature of the attack but also due to the men’s deep connections to a long-standing gangland feud back in Scotland.
The Background of Eddie Lyons Jr and Ross Monaghan
To understand the gravity of this incident, it is important to delve into the background of the two men involved. Both Eddie Lyons Jr and Ross Monaghan were no strangers to the criminal world and had been linked to the notorious Glasgow crime gangs for years. Their histories are deeply entwined with violent gang rivalries and high-profile cases, which ultimately spilled over beyond Scotland’s borders.
Ross Monaghan, in particular, was well-known for his connection to the infamous murder case of Kevin “Gerbil” Carroll, one of Glasgow’s most feared criminals. Carroll was brutally shot dead in an Asda car park in 2010 during a violent feud between two major crime families in Glasgow—the Lyons and the Daniels. This feud had escalated over the years, leading to multiple acts of violence and retribution.
Monaghan was accused of Carroll’s murder as well as of disposing of evidence in the case. However, after a high-profile trial, he was acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking him directly to the crime. Despite the acquittal, the shadow of suspicion and the tensions between rival gangs remained, casting a long-lasting impact on those involved.
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Eddie Lyons Jr’s history is similarly fraught with conflict. He had been the target of an attack back in 2006, believed to have been orchestrated by Carroll himself, underscoring the deep animosities that existed between these crime families. The Lyons family, like the Daniels, had been embroiled in the Glasgow underworld for years, involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities.
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This violent legacy and connection to the Glasgow gang wars set the stage for the events that unfolded in Fuengirola, highlighting that these feuds and vendettas can sometimes reach far beyond their origins.
The Attack at Monaghan’s Bar
Monaghan’s Bar in Fuengirola is a popular establishment situated along the Spanish seafront, frequented by British tourists and expatriates. On that fateful Saturday, the bar was bustling with football fans gathered to watch the Champions League final. The lively atmosphere was suddenly shattered by the terrifying sound of gunfire.
Witnesses described the attack in vivid and distressing terms. Residents reported hearing what sounded like “rockets going off,” with the loud and rapid gunshots causing immediate panic. Patrons inside the bar scrambled in shock, many rushing outside to witness the unfolding chaos. Families and children nearby hurriedly sought shelter, ducking for cover in the wake of the attack.
According to reports, a hooded man arrived at the scene in a vehicle, exited, and then opened fire on the two men outside the bar. After carrying out the attack, the gunman fled the scene swiftly, leaving behind stunned witnesses and a trail of violence. Spanish police quickly arrived to investigate, confirming that both Eddie Lyons Jr and Ross Monaghan died from their injuries sustained in the shooting.
The attack’s timing and location, coupled with the method and target, strongly suggested a “settling of scores” related to drug trafficking and ongoing criminal disputes, as noted by local law enforcement and Spanish news outlet Malaga Hoy. The chilling nature of the attack, in a place usually filled with families and tourists, underscored the stark reality that gang-related violence can intrude on even the most peaceful of environments.
The Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
The shooting at Monaghan’s Bar has resonated far beyond the immediate tragedy. The fact that two men with deep criminal histories from Glasgow were targeted in Spain signals the reach and persistence of organized crime networks across borders. This incident is a stark reminder that the rivalries and vendettas born in one country can have deadly consequences elsewhere, especially in places frequented by expatriates and tourists.
Spanish authorities have launched a full investigation into the attack, focusing on tracing the gunman and uncovering the motives behind this violent act. While the initial reports point to gang-related reprisals connected to drug trafficking, police are exploring all leads to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, the British Foreign Office has stated that it has not been approached for consular assistance following the attack but has assured that its staff are prepared to support any British nationals who might require help in the aftermath. This response highlights the international dimension of the incident and the need for cross-border cooperation in tackling organized crime.
Locals and visitors to Fuengirola are left grappling with the shock of the event. The normally peaceful town’s image has been marred by the brutal shooting, raising concerns about safety and the presence of criminal elements in the region. For the community, the attack serves as a grim reminder of how the shadows of violence can reach far and wide, impacting lives far from the original centers of conflict.
As the investigation unfolds, the hope remains that justice will be served and that the cycle of violence connected to these criminal feuds can be brought to an end. The deaths of Eddie Lyons Jr and Ross Monaghan are tragic chapters in a story of gang rivalry and retribution that continues to ripple across countries and communities.
This violent incident at Monaghan’s Bar stands as a somber reflection on the long-lasting effects of gang conflicts and the dangerous legacy left by criminal networks. It also highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation in combating such violence, ensuring that peaceful places like Fuengirola can remain safe for all who visit and live there.