Two men, aged 24 and 19, have been arrested following an assault in Gurranabraher, Co Cork, yesterday evening.
A 36-year-old man was attacked at Churchfield Industrial Estate.
The businessman, who is married with a young family, sells and distributes sweets and confectionary and has a warehouse on the estate.
After returning from his day's rounds, he was reversing his truck into the warehouse when he was confronted by two men who threatened him and demanded money.
A struggle took place. The victim suffered fracture injuries to his skull, arms, legs, ribs and fingers in the attack in which he was beaten with an iron bar.
The businessman is being treated at Cork University Hospital where his condition was described this morning as serious but stable.
Gardaí at Gurranabraher are appealing for witnesses - specifically people who were in the industrial estate between 4.45pm and 5pm yesterday.
