Efforts are continuing to try and identify the gang responsible for an assault on a Sligo man, that has left him fighting for his life.
Tom Niland, from Skreen, is in a critical condition after he was attacked by masked raiders in his home three weeks ago.
The 73-year-old, who lived alone, was left with serious head and upper body injuries, following the attack on Tuesday 18 January.
Gardaí said Mr Niland was watching television at his house in Skreen when he answered a knock on the door at around 7pm.
He was met by three masked men, who forced their way into the property and subjected him to a serious assault.
The raiders, who had reversed a car into the drive of the house, fled the scene shortly afterwards with a sum of cash.
Following the incident, Mr Niland managed to alert passing motorists and was taken to Sligo University Hospital.
He had sustained injuries to his head and upper body, but was able to provide gardaí with some information in the days following the robbery.
Mr Niland's condition has since deteriorated and he is now on life support.
There is widespread shock and sadness in his home place, as locals process news of his deteriorating health.
At the local shop and garage in Beltra, owners Nigel and Nessa Collery, spoke of a man who has a special place in the life of the community.
"He's like a grandfather you never had, he had time for everyone and everyone has time for him," said Mr Collery.
His sister agreed, describing Mr Niland as a lovely man. She said that the parish had been rocked by the assault and its aftermath.
Ms Colllery expressed hope that the perpetrators would be found and brought to justice.
Those sentiments are shared by the single farmer's neighbour, Paula Mahon. She said Mr Niland was a "gentle giant" who was very well regarded by all who knew him.
Local Independent Councillor, Michael Walsh, said the anger and upset has been heightened by such a tragedy befalling someone who was always willing to assist others.
He said some older people are fearful in the wake of last month's robbery but he paid tribute to the detailed and extensive garda investigation into the matter.
Active Retirement groups in the locality say the incident highlights the need for people to exercise caution and care, especially if living alone.
But May McConnell, of Strandhill Active Retirement, said it is important to balance caution with the need for people to live their lives and enjoy their later years.
Mrs McConnell compared security concerns to the pandemic, saying it was important to be aware of such issues but not to be overwhelmed by them.
Senior citizens concerned for their safety, says councillor
Mr Niland's friend Michael Clarke, who is also a local councillor, said some people have asked "if they are going to be next".
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said shock "turned to outrage, now sadness has come over the area".
Mr Clarke described Mr Niland as "a lovely man, 6ft 2, a very fit active pensioner [who] had a long life ahead, who was a friend to everybody, would help anybody that needed help".
He said Mr Niland was "such a strong man and such a fine man" that no one considered him to be vulnerable.
"We were never concerned about his health or being alone because he was such a strong man and such a fine man".
Mr Clarke said he has been inundated with phone calls from senior citizens in his constituency who are concerned for their own safety, wondering if they are going to be next.
He said there have been around 14 break-ins in the previous two months locally.
"This is a terrible crime. These people that break into senior citizens' homes and assault them and rob them … there has to be proper deterrence put in place."
He said he wants the Dáil to take another look at this type of crime to ensure that deterrents are put in place.
"We have to send a message to our senior citizens, that we hear them, we're concerned for them, and we're thinking about them now at this time," he said.
Yesterday, Superintendent Mandy Gaynor said that someone had information about the assault, and she appealed for them to come forward.
She said a large scale criminal investigation into the assault is under way, with ongoing inquiries, forensic analysis and CCTV material being examined.
"There are people out there who know who was involved in this aggravated burglary and serious assault on an elderly man in his home.
"Thomas Niland and his family deserve to have these criminals who carried out this heartless act brought to justice," she said.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was driving along the N59 (Sligo / Ballina Road), in the Skreen area, on Tuesday 18 January between 4pm and 8pm, who may have dashcam or any other video footage to contact Sligo Garda Station on 071 915 7000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
