Three charged in connection with fatal stabbing in Wexford

Three men were tonight charged with assaulting a father-of-three who died in hospital two days after the attack.

Jim Doyle was surrounded by his heartbroken wife Margaret and family as his life support machine was turned off.

The 40-year-old suffered serious head injuries during an altercation outside the Mezz Nightclub in Gorey, Wexford, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

His cousin Neil Doyle (aged 26), was also injured in the incident and is recovering in Wexford General Hospital.

Councillor Darren Keegan, a friend of Mr Doyle’s, described him as a loving family man.

“Everybody is devastated and stunned that something like that could happen,” said Mr Keegan.

“It’s unheard of around here. It’s such a quiet place. It was such a vicious assault. You have to condemn it.”

Mr Doyle and wife Margaret lived in the close knit residential community called The Rock near Gorey town with their children Fionn, 15, Tiernan, 13, and Erin, seven.

Mr Keegan said Mr Doyle had been a builder during the boom years and was involved in road running.

His eldest son also played hurling for Wexford under 15s and Naomh Eanna GAA club.

Gardaí at Gorey have appealed for anyone who was outside the Mezz nightclub around 2.40am on Saturday to come forward.

It is understood Mr Doyle’s young cousin was being assaulted when he stepped in to help and was himself injured.

Both men were taken to the local hospital, but Mr Doyle was later transferred to Dublin’s Beaumont Hospital.

A post mortem will be carried out tomorrow.

Four suspects were arrested in connection with the incident and a 26-year-old released without charge.

Detectives have charged three Eastern European men in connection with the attack.

Artus Janovskis (aged 23), Mantis Kriksciunas (aged 18), and Roman Muhins (aged 19), who all have separate addresses in the town, appeared before Wexford District Court.

They were each charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Mr Doyle and with assaulting his relation on Forte Road on November 14.

All three were remanded in custody till Thursday November 19 when they will reappear at Cloverhill Courthouse in Dublin.