LAST UPDATE | 19 Aug 2019

A CANDLELIT VIGIL is to take place in Dublin’s north inner city this evening where prayers will be said for Paddy Hansard, a man in his 70s who was assaulted with a shovel in an unprovoked attack last week.

Hansard had been having a drink with his partner in his local pub before heading home when the attack occurred. 

He was assaulted at Courtney Place, Ballybough, Dublin 3, at around 2am on Saturday morning. 

A man had been arrested in relation to the incident but has since been released and a file has been sent to the DPP. 

Local councillor Christy Burke said that Hansard is still in a critical condition.

He told RTÉ’s News At One: “He’s a decent hard-working man from the heart of the north inner city. He lives in Ballybough and just goes about his business. The community is in absolute shock about this. I have never received so many calls offering support and prayers for someone. 

“What happened was Paddy was coming home from the pub and he was walking through complex where he lives and allegedly he got a bang of a shovel on the back of the head from an individual who has yet to be identified. There was a thorough garda investigation.

“He’s still being monitored very closely and he is in a critical condition. There’s a vigil planned for this evening. It’s starting at 8.30 and it will last for 20 to 25 minutes and will be very dignified.”  The event is due to take place in the Courtney Place flat complex. 

Investigating gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact the incident room at Mountjoy Station. Anyone with information is asked to contact Mountjoy Garda Station on 01-6668601, The Garda Confidential Line 18000 666 111 or any Garda station.

With reporting by Garreth MacNamee