Main pic: Sharon Lynn and her late brother, Martin.
A young Dublin man killed following ‘one punch’ attack in the city last week had strong Donegal connections.
Martin Lynn (33) was metres from the Larkhill estate in Whitehall, Dublin 9, where he was attacked in the early hours of Sunday, July 30.
The victim died in hospital last Tuesday evening as a result of injuries he sustained.
He is the son of Sadie Chambers, who was born in Stranorlar and raised in Meenlaragh, Gortahork, where she is a frequent visitor to.
Gardaí investigating the attack are reported to be working on a definite line of inquiry and have identified a chief suspect in the case.
Mr Lynn, a clerical worker in the health sector, had been out socialising on the Saturday night, into the early hours of Sunday morning, and got a taxi back to his home.
As he was alighting from the taxi on Larkhill Road at about 4.30am, the Irish Times reports, another road user passed on a motorbike. It is understood the motorcyclist objected to the manner Mr Lynn opened the door of the taxi as he was passing.
The motorcyclist stopped and remonstrated with Mr Lynn, and at that point, the motorcyclist punched the victim once in the head or face. Mr Lynn then fell backwards and is believed to have hit his head on the ground while his attacker, who was wearing a motorbike helmet, left the scene.
The emergency services were alerted, with paramedics and gardaí arriving on the scene a short time later. Mr Lynn was treated at the scene before being taken to nearby Beaumont Hospital, where he remained in a critical condition until he was pronounced dead on Tuesday evening.
The late Mr Lynn’s sister, Sharon, took to social media to pay tribute to her ‘kind, funny and gentle young brother’ and to appeal for witnesses. She also stressed he was not involved in a row with the man who struck him.
“In the early hours of Sunday morning at around 4.30am, my kind, funny and gentle young brother, Martin, was violently and unnecessarily attacked by a motorist passing through Larkhill road in Whitehall,” she said.
“Just seconds away from the front door of our family home. A home where we had so many happy memories in a nice quiet community. A home that Martin lived in and felt safe in for 33 years. I cannot put into words the shock and devastation we feel.”
She added that the words of support and love for Martin, and their family, over the past few days have truly touched their hearts and are greatly appreciated.
“But please, if you want to help us to get justice for Martin, can you check any doorbell, dash cam or CCTV footage you may have from Sunday 30 July between 1am and 6am if you live in Whitehall or any of the surrounding areas. Call the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111 or Santry station with any information, no matter how small it may seem.”
He is survived by his parents, Patrick and Sadie, and sister Sharon. Sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, sister, brother-in-law Anthony, his niece Lily, aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives and a large circle of friends and colleagues.
Funeral arrangements to be confirmed later.
Donations in Martin’s name, if desired, to Dogs Trust Ireland: https://www.dogstrust.ie/donation/
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