Autopsy results due on man who died after assault

A grandfather who was left in a critical condition after a serious assault in Cork City at the weekend died in hospital yesterday.

Gardaí said the results of an autopsy on the body of Pat Deasy, 57, which is due to take place at Cork University Hospital (CUH) today, will determine the course of their investigation.

Mr Deasy, from McGrath Park, off Church Rd in Blackrock, died in CUH at lunchtime yesterday, with family members at his bedside, after his life-support machine was switched off.

The Cork City Council parks worker had been in a critical condition in hospital since suffering severe head injuries in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Mr Deasy was attending a birthday party with his wife at the Red Cove Inn, on Avenue De Rennes, in Mahon, on the southside of the city, on Friday when the incident occurred.

It is understood that a number of individuals had been ejected from the bar some time after midnight.

Mr Deasy was assaulted outside the bar just before 1am after he went to check on his daughter-in-law.

It is believed that Mr Deasy was either pushed or slapped during an altercation as he tried to calm tensions, and fell heavily.

Gardaí hope the autopsy will determine exactly how Mr Deasy suffered the fatal head injuries.

Gardaí spent yesterday interviewing witnesses, conducting door-to-door enquiries and examining CCTV footage, before reviewing the evidence at a case conference at Anglesea St Garda Station at 4pm.

Supt Barry McPolin said gardaí have received good co-operation from members of the public.

“We are working very methodically and will await the outcome of the postmortem results today before deciding the next course of action,” he said.

He renewed his appeal for anyone with information to contact Blackrock gardaí on 021 4536690 or Anglesea St on 021 4522000.

Lord Mayor Cllr John Buttimer (FG) led cross-party tributes to Mr Deasy during last night’s city council meeting.

Cllr Terry Shannon (FF) said Mr Deasy gave 25 years of loyal service to the city.

“He was a very familiar face in the south east ward, particularly in the Blackrock and Mahon areas, where he was often cutting grass or planting,” he said.

City manager Tim Lucey also paid tribute to Mr Deasy.

“He was a very valued member of staff and my sympathies, and those of the entire city council, are with his family,” he said.