Dylan McCarthy was killed over a row that broke out on a pub dance floor, it has emerged.
The 29-year-old was attacked by as many as six people after what seemed to be a minor disagreement in Monasterevin, Co Kildare, in the early hours of Sunday. One source said: “It was a silly row, as is often the way. There were a couple of people on the dance floor and they got into a minor altercation with other people nearby.
“It just escalated from there. There was some pushing and shoving and a window was broken and the next thing there was a full-scale row. It is tragic that the whole thing started over something so trivial.”
Read more: Gardai fear they won't be able to prove who killed Kildare attack victim Dylan McCarthy
Sources say gardai have recovered CCTV from inside and outside the pub where Mr McCarthy was repeatedly punched and kicked at around 12.30am on Sunday. It’s understood the suspects are all from the Monasterevin area and came across the victim and his relatives – who were celebrating the birth of the victim’s nephew – by chance.
Gardai believe they have identified all the attackers and are waiting on the results of a postmortem before making their next move. It’s hoped the procedure will establish if he died from a punch or a kick.
But sources have warned officers may not be able to prove who delivered the fatal blow to Mr McCarthy, who was from Kilmallock in Co Limerick. Several men are seen delivering sickening punches to his head. He fell to the ground and struck his head on a kerbstone which officers fear contributed to his death.
But sources warned officers were unlikely to launch a murder hunt. Instead, they may try to have a suspect or suspects charged with manslaughter or serious assault.
Mr McCarthy lost his fight for life in Tallaght Hospital in South Dublin on Monday afternoon. A local priest said his family and friends are overcome with “sadness, disbelief and anger”.
Fr Chris O’Donnell told RTE Morning Ireland: “There are no words. It’s sadly unimaginable really and there’s been a few tragedies even in Limerick just in the last few days as well. As a community, our thoughts are with Dylan’s family, his parents and sister.
Read more: Gardai launch renewed appeal for information as man dies after Kildare attack
“They’re just such a good, quiet, unassuming family who are held in great esteem here. We’re devastated for them. I wish they and other innocent families could be spared these tragic events.
“It’s like there’s a cloud or a blanket of sadness resting on the town of Kilmallock and also the neighbouring parishes. People are devastated. Just a lot of sorrow and sadness, disbelief and anger really.
“I suppose it’s every parent’s nightmare and nearly every parent in the area now are thinking of their own children and hopefully holding them a little closer because in many ways it seems like Dylan is everyone’s son and brother at the moment. Just a lovely family and awful shock for everyone.
“We’re not the only community reeling and these tragedies leaves everyone questioning. Goodness always wins out. There’s a lot of care and love going their way.
“I know the focus here in Kilmallock is, ‘How will we respond?’ And I know the community, such a great community, will envelop Dylan’s family in as much love and light and support as possible, because I suppose such great tragedies need to be met with even greater love. At times of tragedy we see the innate goodness of people, they tend to prompt an outpouring of love and care.”
In a social media post, Kilmallock Gaelic Club said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we pass on our sympathies to the family and friends of Dylan. To [his parents] Eamon, Marita and [sister] Orla, Dylan’s partner Aoife, extended family and friends we are sorry for your great loss.”
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