Gardaí to interview coma victim

A MAN who was found unconscious almost three weeks ago is to be interviewed by gardaí after waking from a coma.

Detectives in Carlow believe the man, who is in his 40s, may have suffered his serious head injuries in an attack.

He was found unconscious and alone on a street in the town in the early hours of June 27.

Gardaí examining the case are still anxious to speak to three men, who are believed to be aged between 17 and 22, who were seen close to where the unconscious man was found.

They last night re-issued their appeal for help in trying to trace the three men, who may have witnessed the incident.

Francis Kavanagh, a married man from JKL Avenue in Carlow town, was found on Tullow Street, slumped and unconscious.

So far, no witnesses to the attack have come forward.

Gardaí are desperately trying to piece together whether Mr Kavanagh was the victim of an assault or simply fell.

The man woke from a coma at Beaumont Hospital in the past days and has been transferred to St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny so he can be close to his family.

Gardaí were contacted anonymously after Mr Kavanagh was found on the street. They did speak to two witnesses who helped a doctor at the scene. However, three other vital witnesses seen in the area at the time have not yet come forward.

Superintendent Edmond Quirke of Carlow Garda Station said that they did not expect to be able to speak to Mr Kavanagh for a number of weeks due to his injuries.