Murder probe after man dies from one punch
GARDAÍ conducting a murder inquiry have arrested a man after another young man died following an apparent onepunch attack in west Dublin.
The victim, named locally as Luke O’Reilly (20), was attacked on the morning of November 1 in Tallaght while he was out celebrating Halloween.
A MURDER probe has been launched after a young man died following an apparent onepunch attack in west Dublin.
The victim, named locally as Luke O’Reilly (20), was attacked on the morning of November 1 on the Old Blessington Road, Tallaght.
He was discovered at about 3am with serious head injuries.
Gardaí believe that the victim was struck once on the head before falling to the ground.
Deteriorated
He was brought to Tallaght Hospital but his condition deteriorated over the weekend and he was transferred to Beaumont Hospital. Mr O’Reilly was pronounced dead yesterday afternoon.
Detectives at Tallaght Garda station have now launched a murder investigation into his death following a post-mortem examination. A 20-year-old man was arrested yesterday afternoon in relation to the killing and is currently being held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
Tributes were last night being paid to the victim, who has been described as a “kind-hearted” and “genuine” young man.
A source said that Mr O’Reilly had been socialising in a nightclub to celebrate Halloween,
before a row occurred on the street. “The victim was a very, very decent young man, he was very popular among his friends.
“This was an argument which unfortunately escalated into a fatal assault,” the source said.
Mr O’Reilly had played for local soccer team St Maelruans FC, who last night paid tribute to him.
Shock
“Luke played alongside a number of our current senior players at underage level and had recently expressed an interest in re-joining the club,” the club said in a statement.
“Luke’s death has come as a huge shock to us at the club, particularly to those who played alongside him.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Luke’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“May he rest in peace.”
Mr O’Reilly had lived in the Kiltipper area of Tallaght with his family.
One local said that the area had been left devastated by his death.
Tributes also poured in for Mr O’Reilly on social media last night, with one friend writing: “Another beautiful young life taken away today, thinking of your family and close friends.”
Another friend said: “You will be sadly missed, such a kind-hearted lad.
“So sorry to see you go at such a young age. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
While another pal wrote: “Nobody could ever say a bad word about Luke, this world can be so, so cruel, my thoughts are with his family and everyone who was lucky to be his friend.”
Appalling
Local representative and Labour councillor Mick Duff described the death of the young man as “appalling”.
“God love his family and what they have gone through,” he told the Irish Independent.
“The fact someone goes out innocently to enjoy Halloween and to be found lying on a roadway, it’s appalling.”
Gardaí were last night questioning the 20-year-old suspect at Tallaght Garda Station.
A spokesperson said that investigations into Mr O’Reilly’s death were ongoing.
‘Nobody could ever say a bad word about Luke. This world can be so, so cruel. My thoughts are with his family.’