Several hours before Tom Niland was brutally assaulted and robbed by three men in his home, he visited Feeney's Centra in Dromore West, Co Sligo.
Shop owner Blair Feeney recalls Mr Niland "calling as usual to get his few bits and pieces" that evening.
"He was loved by staff. He was always very friendly. We parted wishing him well and he wished me well.
"It’s so sad how Tom lost his life in such brutal circumstances. He was a well-respected gentleman in the community and beyond. We’re still heartbroken."
John Irving, Francis Harman and John Clarke went to Mr Niland's home between 6pm and 7pm at Doonflynn, Skreen on 18 January 2022.
CCTV showed they had earlier carried out a reconnaissance mission and identified the home of Mr Niland who lived alone.
Tom Niland spent 20 months on life support following the savage attack. He was pronounced dead on 30 September 2023, aged 75.
Mr Feeney paid tribute to the work of gardaí and the community in reaching today’s sentencing.
"I would like to compliment Gardaí and the community on the great work they had done together bringing the [three] people [convicted of manslaughter] to justice."
The three men were identified through CCTV and DNA.
John Irving, 31, from Shanwar, Foxford, Co Mayo received a sentence of 16 years with the final year suspended.
Francis Harman, 58, of Nephin Court, Killala Road, Ballina, Co Mayo was sentenced to 15 years with the final year suspended.
John Clarke, 37, of Carrowkelly, Ballina, Co Mayo was sentenced to 15 years in prison with the final year suspended.
Although he suffered injuries as similar to those which might be inflicted from a head-on crash or a fall from a ladder, Tom Niland managed to provided gardaí with an account of the three men who savagely beat him while demanding money.
Cllr Michael Clarke who was part of a group from west Sligo who travelled to the Central Criminal Court said the case was "a "Veronica Guerin moment in the north west".
"The community of west Sligo and the north west will feel a little safer tonight because of Tom’s own actions…as the judge said - Tom’s actions helped to convict this gang.
"We’re delighted with the Garda team who done an excellent job [in securing the convictions].
"Today’s result doesn’t define Tom or bring him back. We will still miss him daily".
As rural farmers went for health checks at Ballymote mart this afternoon, Tom Niland’s name was to the fore of many conversations.
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'An absolute gentleman'
Sligo IFA County Chair Michael O’Dowd said the past few years have been harrowing for Tom Niland’s family, friends and neighbours.
"He was an absolute gentleman. We don’t want to see anything like what has happened to Tom Niland, may he rest in peace, happening in the west of Ireland again."
Peter Diamond, an 82-year-old farmer from Skreen, Co Sligo said he felt very sad having known Mr Niland for more than 30 years.
"I knew Tom very well. He did some farming was very loyal to anyone that looked for him. He always helped.
"He went to the Men’s Shed [in Dromore West] every Monday evening. He did a computer class, and he was progressing the same as the rest of us.
"Tom would’ve lived another 20 years and it’s sad to say he has passed away.
"Years ago, we didn’t have to lock the door if we went out. Now, even - if you lock the door – you don’t know who’s coming at night.
"Its very sad…all I can say is - ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
Outside the court today, the family of Tom Niland paid tribute to gardaí for their "commitment, kindness and professionalism" in the investigation into the killing of Mr Niland.
The Niland family said gardaí kept the family fully informed which was "a source of great comfort".
"From the outset they pursued the criminals with unwavering relentless determination, deploying every possible resource and mounting an operation the likes of which Sligo has never seen before," the family said.
The family also paid tribute to hospital staff and the local community in Sligo.
Watch: No person should have to endure such an ordeal, says garda after Niland case
Speaking outside the court, a garda spokesperson said they noted the sentences given to the three men.
He said the night Mr Niland was attacked was a "regular evening" for him and he was in the safety of his own home.
The spokesperson said Mr Niland was "subjected to a vicious assault" in January 2022.
"The three individuals sentenced today left Tom's house with a small amount of money.
"They were reckless and had no regard for Tom who was left with horrific injures.
"Despite these injuries, he bravely managed to crawl from his home and raise the alarm. The injuries inflect upon Tom were catastrophic," he said.
"No person should ever have to endure such an ordeal in the sanctuary of their own home and no family or community should have to endure the pain and emotional tramua of a loved one beaten so savagley," the garda added.
He said he hopes the sentences provide some comfort to Mr Niland’s family.
