Ryan Gibbons (29) suffered catastrophic head injuries after he was attacked at Magee Terrace in Kildare town in the early hours of last Sunday.
He was found unresponsive at that location at 3.15am and taken to Naas General Hospital with injuries including bleeding on the brain. He sadly died in hospital on Thursday.
Gardaí have launched a murder investigation into his death and are investigating whether his attack was connected to an earlier interaction he had with a group of young people on a bus.
Ryan’s cousin Mollie Gibbons Powell and his aunt Celine Powell told how he was a gentle soul as they launched a fundraiser for his funeral.
Ryan Gibbons suffered catastrophic head injuries
News in 90 Seconds – Saturday November 2
“Ryan was a gentle, bubbly and kind individual,” Mollie said.
“Since we received the shocking news about Ryan, we’ve all been feeling heartbroken and helpless, not knowing what we can do to make things even a little bit easier. It’s hard to put into words how much he means to us all, and we can only imagine that many of you in the wider community are feeling the same way.
“We’ve decided to set up a GoFundMe as a way for us all to come together and do something meaningful. The money raised will go towards supporting Ryan’s family through this incredibly difficult time, and any remaining funds will be donated to a cause that was close to Ryan’s heart — in his honour and memory.”
Friends of Ryan, who was known as Gibby, expressed shock at his death this week and described his killers as “scum”.
In an online post, one friend said he was a pure gentleman who “never wanted any trouble, always brought the best out in people”.
He said when they travelled away together Ryan looked after everyone and made sure everyone was safe.
He added that those involved in the attack need to be brought to justice.
“This town needs to be turned up side down, this won’t be let go. Please Kildare town, stop the madness, stop the scum.”
Another man, who is a close friend of Ryan’s father Edward, described those involved as “utter evil scumbags”.
Ryan had been out socialising and is understood to have had some minor words with a group of people on a bus who were making a lot of noise.
He later got off at a stop in the town while people in the other group got off at another stop. He was then set upon at Magee Terrace and attacked.
Gadai are investigating if the assault was linked to that interaction earlier in the night.
It is understood they have identified persons of interest and are expected to speak to them over the coming days.
It is suspected Ryan was punched and then fell and hit his head.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Kildare Garda Station on 045 527730, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.