A WEST Belfast man has been remanded in custody after being charged with the attempted murder of a taxi man last year.

John-Jo Lynch (24) of Springfield Road, Belfast appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court

49-year-old Sean O’Reilly was shot as he sat inside a taxi on the morning of February 23, 2025 in the Bell Steel Manor area of Poleglass.

Lynch is charged with the attempted murder as well as two counts of possession of a firearm.

He is also charged with possession of a Biakal handgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life or cause serious damage to property, and possession of a Walther handgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life or cause.

A police officer told the court they believe the shooting to be part of an ongoing feud within the dissident republican group Óglaigh na hÉireann (ÓNH).

Crown counsel Sarah Minford said co-accused Hugh Black (52), of Rosehead allegedly acted as a look-out, guiding the pair to the scene on Bell Steel Manor.

Black remains in custody charged with the attempted murder of Mr O’Reilly.

The prosecutor said police had not identified the two gunmen until this week, but had extensive CCTV footage of them approaching the scene and leaving the scene.

Items, including the high-visibility yellow jacket, a gun barrel and two vapes, were found by police in a bin bag in an alleyway close to the scene of the shooting.

The prosecutor said DNA from Mr Lynch had been found to match that on a high-vis jacket, gun barrel and the vapes found in a bin bag at the scene.

Following his arrest, police obtained a DNA profile, which was found to be a match for the DNA found on the jacket, vapes and the gun barrel.

A number of objections to bail were outlined, including an alleged risk of re-offending, concern for his safety due to the ONH feud and a risk of failing to appear for trial.

A defence solicitor said Lynch had a reputable decorating business with two employees, and a “string of work lined up” as well as having custody of his young daughter three days a week and caring for his 93-year-old grandmother who has dementia.

The judge refused bail and the case is next set to be mentioned on November 19.