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The writer began this work by outlining how homicide has been a part of human nature since the beginning of time. A brief history pertaining to the Irish law on homicide was presented. An analysis was taken of the homicide (murder and manslaughter) figures from 2000-2007. These figures were taken from both An Garda Siochana Annual Reports and the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to ensure that the data presented was accurate. The homicide trials which came before the Central Criminal Court during this time were examined, and the outcome of these trials were presented. Details pertaining to female homicides were analysed, with regard to the age of the victim, county, mechanism of killing and relationship between offender and victim. Homicide-suicides and homicide of children were discussed. Information regarding age, gender, method and county of killing along with the relationship between perpetrator and victim were outlined. Gangland violence in Ireland, more specifically in Limerick City. was discussed. Particular emphasis was placed on the feud in Limerick and the resources employed by the Department of Justice to curtail the homicides and violence. Socio-economic factors, which influence this gangland activity were outlined. A comparison was made between murder rates in Ireland and other UN countries. Although homicide (murder and manslaughter) rates appear to be on the increase, according to UN figures, Ireland is still one of the safest countries to live in.
