An inquest into the murder of Eamon Dunne has heard the Dublin crime boss tried to use a pub worker as a human shield before he was gunned down.

Mr Dunne (34) was targeted while attending his friend's birthday party in Cabra four years ago.

Twelve shots were fired at the gangster as he celebrated in the Fassaugh House pub in April 2010.

Eight of them hit their target - and two gunshot wounds to the back to the head killed him instantly.

The hit was carried out by two masked gunmen, who made their escape in a getaway car that was waiting outside the pub.

His inquest took place today and heard the crime boss grabbed a Chinese lounge boy and tried to use him as a human shield before he was shot.

To date, nobody has been charged with his murder but gardaí say their investigation is still active.

The jury returned a verdict of unlawful killing by persons unknown.