An Irishman killed while on holiday fell and hit his head after allegedly being punched during a drunken row, reports from Greece say.
Limerick native Niall O’Brien, 22, died soon after he was allegedly assaulted on the island of Ios.
A 20-year-old is in police custody and is being quizzed over the incident.
Witnesses told how two men began arguing with each other early on Monday in the Chora area of the island.
The pair then became involved in a row near a bus stop which led to punches being thrown and O’Brien, falling and striking his head.
One witness told local Greek media: “They were both under the influence of alcohol. The victim was unable to react.
“He suffered the blows without any resistance. After two punches, he lost consciousness.” It was initially reported that O’Brien, who was on holiday with a large group of friends, had been knocked down and killed.
However, it is believed this is because the college student may have also struck his head off a nearby vehicle as he fell.
One person in the area at the time raised the alarm and emergency services arrived a short time later.
Paramedics worked on O’Brien for a time before he was rushed to a local hospital but he died a short time later.
A police statement confirmed that a 20-year-old foreigner had been arrested at the scene.
A spokesperson said the man got into “a fight and got involved in a quarrel with his 22-year-old compatriot, whom he hit with his hands, resulting in his falling on the road”.
A file is being prepared for the Naxos Prosecutor’s Office while a forensic examination took place of the scene.
Niall, from Castletroy, played for Broadford Hurling Cub in Clare who said they were “in deep mourning at the sad passing of one of our great characters”.
The online tribute added: “The club would like to offer their deepest condolences to Mike, Anne, Cian, Eoin, Alan and the O’Brien and Boyce families.
“Niall, along with his three brothers, has given great service to Broadford Hurling club.
“Niall has played all grades with the club, having only lined out for a win with our adult teams as recently as last week.
“Niall was seen as an extremely talented prospect and we will never forget his man of the match winning performance when scoring 1-11 to win the U21 B county final in 2019.”
The statement revealed O’Brien was about to begin his fourth and final year of college at University of Limerick in financial maths. It continued: “Niall’s large circle of friends will remember him as a hugely popular, larger than life character. Niall was at the centre of every gathering, whether it be sporting or socially, and his good humour and witty comments kept everybody entertained.
“Both Broadford and Monaleen will be a much sadder place without him.”
Efforts are now under way to have O’Brien’s body repatriated.
His remains will be cremated at a private ceremony today.
A notice on RIP.ie added that the “family would like to thank you for your co-operation” and asked people to leave condolences on the online page.
