Violent attack provokes outrage in Roscrea

Gardaí in Roscrea are investigating the violent robbery of a young man near the town centre, which has provoked a furious response from the local community.

On Thursday last (December 1) between 7:15pm and 7:45pm a young man from Roscrea was attacked as he made his way home from a local gym by three men close to his home. The attackers demanded money and the young man's phone, before assaulting him and searching his pockets.

The young Roscrea man fought off his attackers, who fled the scene after a violent struggle, but was left with severe facial injuries after receiving several blows to the head while on the ground, his parents said on social media.

The attack happened near the entrance to the Tullaskeagh estate in Roscrea, after the three attackers followed the young man from the Convent Hill area. The three men are described as non-nationals - two with beards and one clean-shaven and all approximately 5ft10 to 6ft in height.

News of the incident on social media provoked outrage in Roscrea. The young man's family, who are well known and respected, issued an appeal for any witnesses or information about the attack on their son, who is a popular young sportsman who is very dedicated to fitness training.

The incident has prompted calls for a public meeting, as several other similar attacks on younger people in Roscrea town centre have been reported in recent months. Concerned parents and local people showed strong support for the family on social media, among several calls for a public meeting to provide a forum for people to voice their concerns.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or any motorists with dash-cam footage who were in the vicinity of Convent Hill, the Parkmore roundabout and Roscrea bypass on Thursday night last (Dec 1) between 7:15pm and 7:45pm are urged to contact the Gardaí in Roscrea at (0505) 24230.