Family of Clonakilty man who died two years after attack embrace and 'forgive' accused

Aidan Coyle who is in his 40s and now lives in Gulladuff, Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, avoided jail for the one-punch attack on Micheál O'Neill on March 10, 2017

Cork Courthouse, Anglesea Street, Cork city. File Picture; David Creedon / Anzenberger

The parents of a 32-year-old man who was seriously injured from a single punch in Clonakilty – and died as he began to recover – embraced the man who punched him as he was given a suspended jail term.

The family of the late Micheál O’Neill said he had forgiven Aidan Coyle for assaulting him and they added: “We, Micheál’s family, intend to follow Micheál’s lead of kindness and understanding. We forgive this man’s actions and hope we can all find peace to move forward from this.”