Grandfather Tony dies following fatal attack on evening of his 74th birthday

A GRANDFATHER who died following a fatal assault in his home was attacked by somebody known to him on his 74th birthday, the Irish Mail on Sunday has learned.

Tony Tims, 74, had been celebrating his birthday in the home he shared with his son Mark earlier in the day.

The day took a sinister turn when gardaí were called to the Rowlagh Green area of Clondalkin at 8.45pm on Friday to find Mr Tims injured. He was taken to Tallaght hospital and later pronounced dead.

It was unclear last night if Mr Tims died as a result of the assault or underlying health conditions. The MoS understands he suffered a stroke shortly after his wife passed away five years ago.

A post mortem is due to be carried out today and that will determine the course of the Garda investigation.

A man in his 40s was arrested by gardaí in the Lucan area of Dublin last night in connection with his death and he is being detained at Lucan Garda Station for questioning. It is understood there may have been a third person in the house at the time.

Mr Tims was described by neighbours as a ‘nice man’ who lived in the area for more than 40 years. He lived in a neat end-of-terrace home with his son Mark, himself a father.

Mr Tims’s daughter Louise had not been seen in the area in recent years. In nearby Finches Pub, where Mr Tims regularly enjoyed a pint, friends recalled a ‘lovely’ man who missed his late wife.

Neighbours in quiet cul-desac Rowlagh Green said they heard nothing until gardaí arrived on Friday evening.

One woman said: ‘We all know each other here and help each other. I can’t believe this has happened. Killed in your own home on your 74th birthday. It is really shocking.’

In a statement yesterday, gardaí appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

A Garda spokesman said: ‘Gardaí in Ronanstown are investigating the death of a man discovered at a house in Rowlagh Green [on Friday night]. At approximately 8.45pm gardaí in Ronanstown were called to a house where a male had been injured.

‘On arrival a 74-year-old male was discovered with serious injuries. It is believed that there was an earlier domestic dispute at the house. The injured male was taken to Tallaght Hospital and later pronounced dead.

‘The scene has been preserved for a technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.’

Anybody with information that may assist can call gardaí confidentially at 1800 666 111.