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30th Sep 2023

Man, 75, left in critical condition after aggravated burglary in Sligo last year dies

Stephen Porzio

Tom Niland

Very sad news.

Tom Niland, the 75-year-man who was left in critical condition following an aggravated burglary at his home in Sligo last year, has passed away.

In a statement to JOE, a Garda spokesperson confirmed that the sheep farmer died on Saturday morning (30 September).

“May he rest in peace. The family of Tom Niland have appealed for their privacy at this time,” the spokesperson also said.

Mr Niland had been left with serious head and upper body injuries following the aggravated burglary which took place in Skreen in west Sligo during the evening of 18 January 2022.

Gardaí told JOE that the 75-year-old passed away at Sligo University Hospital, where he had been since the attack.

tom niland

Tom Niland

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Niland’s cousin Michael Walsh said about his passing: “He went off very peacefully in the end.

“It’s strange. The struggle he had in the past while was immense. It was excruciating to see him when they changed the air tubes, his whole face would contort with the pain of the suction process.

“It’s kind of a relief now but when the memories kick in, that’s when we’ll start grieving.”

Currently, three men are before the courts charged in connection with the incident at Tom Niland’s home.

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