Harney adviser critically ill after fall from horse
As his wife, Eileen, and family members maintained a vigil at his bed in Tallaght Hospital, friends and colleagues of Dr Roche were said to be devastated by the accident.
The 48-year-old aide, originally from Kilworth in Co Cork, was airlifted to hospital on Friday after sustaining serious injuries in a riding accident on the beach at Brittas Bay, Co Wicklow.
The Tánaiste was said to be deeply upset as colleagues of Dr Roche said last night that it was very difficult for family and friends to handle the shock of the accident.
"It's very hard to deal with to see a man of such great intellect injured in this way. He's a hugely personable individual. Anyone who knows him within government, right up to most senior levels, has enormous respect and admiration for his ability," a colleague said.
Tests were carried out at the hospital over the weekend, but Dr Roche remains in a critical condition and no operation was undertaken. Although he was wearing a protective riding helmet, it is believed he may have struck a rock when he fell. His horse was found wandering on the beach after the accident.
Described as Ms Harney's closest aide, Dr Roche is based in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment headquarters in Kildare Street in Dublin.
