Pub stages event to aid attack victim (73)

A fundraising night for a great-grandfather who suffered a major brain injury in an unprovoked attack outside his home is being held tonight.

Paddy Hansard (73) suffered serious head injuries and broken bones in his neck after an attack which took place at approximately 2.30am on August 17 at Courtney Place flat complex in Ballybough, Dublin.

Mr Hansard, a retired scaffolder, was on his way home from a night out which he spent in the Clonliffe House pub. The highly respected family man, who has five adult children, along with four brothers and 11 sisters, was rushed to the nearby Mater Hospital by emergency services, where he remained in a critical condition for several weeks in ICU.

He suffered three bleeds to his brain and broken bones in his neck which have left him with a permanent brain injury. Mr Hansard continues to make progress but doctors have told his family that he will need round-the-clock care in the future.

A spokesperson for his family said: “While Paddy is making some progress in hospital, his rehabilitation will continue for a long time to come.”

The fundraising night is being organised by the owners of the Clonliffe House pub.

Pamela Farrell, a spokesperson for the pub said: “Paddy is a gentleman and we are so upset and devastated over what happened to him several months ago. We will do everything possible to help with fundraising so that his future medical needs can be looked after. We hold him in such high regard.”

A file has been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions in relation to the attack on Mr Hansard. A man was arrested, questioned and released without charge in connection with the attack.