BRAWL DEATH 

First pictures of young man who died after he was punched and kicked in head in brutal beating outside pub

• 22:15, 22 Aug 2022
• Updated: 22:15, 22 Aug 2022

THE young man who was viciously attacked after a family gathering in Kildare lost his fight for life today.

As part of their appeal for witnesses and information, investigators will now interview everyone who was in the pub where Dylan McCarthy, 29, was socialising before he was punched and kicked in the head.

It is understood that all of the resources of a homicide investigation have been committed to the case while the results of the post mortem are awaited.

Investigators believe that up to 30 people were in The Bellyard bar in Monasterevin, Co Kildare, when a row erupted at around 12.15am on Sunday.

The row spilled out on to Dublin Street where Dylan, 29 and his dad, Eamon, 51, were attacked by at least five men.

But gardai suspect three men were responsible for the head injuries suffered by Dylan.

We can also reveal that another man who was in Dylan’s company was also attacked but he wasn’t treated in hospital.

During the incident, Dylan, from Kilmallock in Co Limerick, was kicked in the head while his dad suffered facial injuries.

He was brought to Tallaght Hospital but lost his fight for life on Monday afternoon.

Gardai are trying to establish if a blow to the head caused his death and are awaiting the results of a post mortem, which is due to be held this morning.

A source said: “The post mortem will determine the course of the investigation.

“Gardai could be looking at bringing charges of violent disorder, assault causing harm or manslaughter.

“Officers are also working to establish the identities of the individuals responsible for the attack on Dylan and his dad.”

The pair had been visiting Dylan’s sister Orla to celebrate the birth of her son.

His dad, from Co Cork, was treated at Portlaoise Hospital and he remains in a serious condition.

Gardai hope to speak to as many people as possible who were in the pub to try and find out what happened.

TRIBUTES PAID

A senior investigating officer has been appointed to investigate the assault.

An incident room has also been established at Kildare Garda station.
Gardai have urged anyone who was in the pub or witnessed the attack or was in the street between 12.15am and 12.45am to come forward.

Following Dylan’s death, tributes were paid to the Limerick man on social media.

One said: “This is so, so sad. Thoughts and prayers with Dylan’s family.”

Another post on Facebook said: “RIP Dylan. The world is a cruel place.

“Look down on your family and friends. Help them make sense of this absolute savage act.”

Gardai renewed their appeal for witnesses after Dylan was pronounced dead on Monday afternoon.

A statement said that the Office of the State Pathologist had been notified of his death and the post mortem would be conducted by Chief State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan.