John Gilligan has insisted his shooting last weekend was a mistake, and he has no enemies. Gardai have warned his attitude will mean he is unlikely to survive the year.

The Irish Daily Mirror reports this morning that Gilligan is telling Gardai the shooting was a mistake and he has no enemies.

The paper quotes Garda sources who say Gilligan told them the shooting was a “misunderstanding”.

The source told the Mirror: “Gilligan has refused all help offered to him and continues to make demands. He is unlikely to survive the year.

“Despite being shot four times he insists he is not fighting with anyone and has no problems.

“If he continues like this he won’t be around much longer.”

Gardai say Gilligan has made enemies since his release from prison last year as he has tried to extort money from Dublin criminals.

“Gilligan came out and started throwing his weight around and that was never going to go down well.

“He is broke and trying to scramble cash together desperately,” the Garda source told the Mirror.

John Gilligan is still recovering in Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown and is expected to be released within a week.

Crime Correspondent with The Irish Daily Mirror Cathal McMahon says he likes to go against the grain.