A 27-year-old man is in a critical condition at Beaumount Hospital in Dublin following an assault in Co Mayo.
A second man, aged 32, was also assaulted in the incident that occurred on New Street in Ballinrobe early this morning.
At about 3.30am the two men were set upon and punched and kicked. The attackers fled the scene.
Both were taken to Mayo General Hospital.
One was discharged a short time later, but the 27-year-old man was sent to Beaumont Hospital with serious head injuries.
A second attack took place about 500m away on Neale Road around 20 minutes later.
Two men, aged 20 and 31, were assaulted by a number of men in this incident.
Both received stab wounds to their necks.
They are being treated for their injuries in Mayo General Hospital.
Gardaí believe the four men who were injured had been attending a night club in the town.
It is believed the two assaults were carried out by the same people.
No arrests have been made so far and gardaí are appealing for witness to both assaults.
