A candlelit vigil for pensioner Paddy Hansard was held in Dublin’s inner city on Monday night.
The 75 year old was attacked unprovoked with a shovel at around 2am on Saturday morning and remains in critical condition.
At the vigil, people rallied around Paddy’s family to lend support and to pray for his recovery.
Hansard had been having a drink with his partner in his local pub before heading home when the attack occurred.
He was assaulted at Courtney Place, Ballybough, Dublin 3.
A man had been arrested in relation to the incident but has since been released and a file has been sent to the DPP.
Local councillor Christy Burke said that the entire community is “shocked” by the attack.
He told RTÉ’s News At One: “He’s a decent hard-working man from the heart of the north inner city. He lives in Ballybough and just goes about his business.
"The community is in absolute shock about this. I have never received so many calls offering support and prayers for someone.
“What happened was Paddy was coming home from the pub and he was walking through complex where he lives and allegedly he got a bang of a shovel on the back of the head from an individual who has yet to be identified.
“There was a thorough garda investigation. He’s still being monitored very closely and he is in a critical condition.
“There’s a vigil planned for this evening. It’s starting at 8.30 and it will last for 20 to 25 minutes and will be very dignified.”
Investigating gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact the incident room at Mountjoy Station.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Mountjoy Garda Station on 01-6668601, The Garda Confidential Line 18000 666 111 or any Garda station.
