This article is from page 1 of the 2006-09-14 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 1 JPG
WHEN Vincent Hehir died last Wednesday – three days after he was the victim of an attack on Kildysart’s Main Street – one of his last gestures ensured that others will benefit from his tragic death.
The 32-year-old Kildysart native, who was on life support at Ennis General Hospital after he was found unconscious late last Sunday week, had donated his organs to Dublin’s Beaumont Hospital.
Mr Hehir’s youngest child was due to be christened at the weekend. In a moving ceremony, two-month-old Margaret was baptised in a private ceremony at his bedside at the Ennis hospital on Thursday morning.
A surgical team from Dublin travelled to Ennis on Thursday to ascertain the compatibility of his organs which he agreed he would donate after his death.
While many organs were damaged as a result of injuries, some were retained and were brought to Dublin.
The father-of-five, who grew up at Glencanane, Kildysart, never recovered from serious injuries he sustained in an incident on Kildysart’s Main Street, late on Sunday night. He remained critically ill until his death at 5pm on Wednesday, with his heartbroken family by his bedside.
A major garda investigation got underway in the aftermath of the discovery of Mr Hehir, in an unconscious state, close to Mitchel’s Corner Bar, shortly after 11pm last Sunday week.
Gardai say they believe he was subjected to a number of blows, before falling to the ground and hitting the back of his head in the impact. They say they understand he was kicked a number of times while on the ground, but do not believe any implement was used.
Three local men, aged 21, 23 and 33 were arrested last Tuesday and questioned at Kilrush Garda Station, before being released without charge.
Mr Hehir had moved to England several years ago where he managed a pub. He built up many friendships while living there and returned home regularly to visit his parents and siblings.
Mr Hehir’s wife, Mairead, who hails from Mayo, travelled from London last Monday. The couple have five children, aged between two months and nine years.
A post mortem examination was carried out on Mr Hehir’s remains at the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, on Friday afternoon. Preliminary results suggest he died as a result of head injuries. His funeral was due to take place in Kildysart at the weekend.
However at request of one of the men questioned in connection with the death, an independent autopsy was carried out by Belfast Pathologist Dr Carson yesterday (Monday) evening.