LAST UPDATE | 14 Dec 2024

GARDAÍ HAVE ARRESTED a man in connection with the assault and robbery of two off-duty gardaí who were attacked in the Temple Bar area of Dublin last night, with one in critical condition with serious head injuries following the assault.

Both gardaí are members of the Armed Support Unit, The Journal understands. It is believed the incident happened as the gardaí were making their way home from socialising in the city. 

The incident occurred at approximately 1:30am. 

One of the two men, aged in his 40s, has been taken to Beaumont Hospital Dublin where he remains in critical condition.

The second man was taken to St James’s Hospital Dublin for medical treatment and has been subsequently discharged.

The arrest has been made by gardaí in Pearse Street but investigations are ongoing. Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the alleged assault which occurred at the junction of Dame Street and Eustace Street, Dublin 2.

In a post online, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee labelled the attack as “appalling”, and wished the injured officer a “speedy recovery”.

The attack on off duty members of An Garda Síochána in Temple Bar last night was appalling. My thoughts are with the Garda who remains in hospital and I wish him a speedy recovery.
I urge anyone with information to contact Gardaí. Those responsible must face justice.@gardainfo

— Helen McEntee TD (@HMcEntee) December 14, 2024

An incident room led by a senior investigating officer has been established at Pearse Street Garda Station.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.

Any persons who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) from the Dame Street / Temple Bar area, between 1:00am and 1:45am, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Gardaí are particularly looking to speak with any taxi drivers who were driving in the Dame Street area at the time and may have footage.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Pearse Street Garda Station on 01 666 9000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

With reporting by Niall O’Connor and Andrew Walsh