DPP file over death

GARDAÍ are to forward a file to the DPP following the death of a man from injuries he sustained in an assault before Christmas.

Andrew Dolan, 20, from Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, was pronounced dead at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, on New Year’s Day after suffering serious head injuries when he was attacked outside a fast-food outlet in Mullingar, Co Westmeath, in the early hours of December 23.

Mr Dolan was knocked to the ground during the incident, which took place on Pearse St at about 2.40am. He failed to regain consciousness.

An autopsy was carried out on his body yesterday.

Garda sources indicated that Mr Dolan was struck at most twice in what was described as a brief altercation, although it is believed it was linked to an earlier incident.

The NUI Galway student was visiting Mullingar with friends for a social evening.

Mr Dolan had previously attended secondary school at Wilson’s Hospital School in Multyfarnham, Co Westmeath. His father, Joseph, owns the Bush Hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Three people were arrested in connection with the incident last month. Two men aged 21 and 20 from Kildare and Offaly, along with a 19-year-old female from Westmeath, were questioned but were released without charge.

Gardaí yesterday renewed their appeal for anyone in the vicinity of Pearse St in Mullingar between 2am and 3am on the night in question to contact them.

Last night, the victim’s father said he, his wife, Rosie and other sons, Gavin and Jack, were devastated at Mr Dolan’s death.