Updated: 7.20pm

A MAN LEFT in a critical condition in Co Monaghan was celebrating his twin daughters’ christening when he was attacked in front of his partner’s parents.

Séámus Bell was the victim of an attack as he socialised with his family in Carrickmacross on Saturday night.

A 34-year-old man arrested in relation to the incident has now been charged. He will appear before Virginia District Court in Cavan tomorrow at 10.30am.

Emergency services were called after the incident which happened on the town’s main street at around 11.30pm.

He was removed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda and subsequently transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, where his condition is described as critical.

Michelle Cunningham, whose sister is Bell’s partner, told TheJournal.ie that Bell was celebrating his daughters’ christening that night.

She said: “My parents were with him when it happened. It’s awful.”

The scene of the assault was technically examined and an incident room has been established at Carrickmacross Garda Station.

A 34-year-old man was arrested yesterday in connection with the investigation and is currently being detained at Carrickmacross Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

Investigating gardaí have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to contact Carrickmacross Garda Station on 042 969 0190, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.

With reporting by Órla Ryan

Comments have been closed as the man has been charged this evening.

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