Man, 22, in critical condition after attack

A 22-year-old man is fighting for his life after he was attacked in the early hours of yesterday.

Shane Grogan of Shop Road, Tuam, was injured in an incident in the Co Galway town at 3.30am.

He was taken to University Hospital Galway after the incident and was then transferred to Beaumont Hospital where his condition yesterday evening was described as “critical”.

Gardaí in Tuam arrested an 18-year-old local man early yesterday morning. It is believed three men were present at the time of the attack.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed that Mr Grogan was with his girlfriend at the time of the incident at the intersection of the Milltown Road and Ballinrobe Road.

“An 18-year-old man who lives in Tuam was arrested and is in custody at Tuam Garda Station as part of the investigation of an alleged assault,” said the spokesperson.

The incident has shocked the local community in the north Co Galway town, where the injured man’s family is well known. The extended Grogan family owns the local travel agency. Mr Grogan’s parents, Joe — who is a local undertaker — and Joan were last night keeping a bedside vigil for their son in Dublin.

It is believed Mr Grogan was hit on the head with a large stone but gardaí would not confirm the details of the alleged assault.

Local Labour Party councillor Shaun Cunniffe said: “When the news broke everyone was in total shock. His family are very well known around the area and highly regarded. Our prayers and best wishes go to his family. We are all just waiting for some good news.

“The town has been very quiet for the last 12 months after some trouble in recent times. We are all very worried for him but hopefully he will be OK,” he said.