Around 500 people gathered in Blanchardstown on Sunday evening for a silent vigil in memory of Alex Coughlan, the 37-year-old man who died after an alleged assault earlier this month.
Mr Coughlan suffered serious injuries following an incident on the Mill Road in Blanchardstown village on 17 May. He was found unconscious and taken to hospital in a critical condition before passing away three days later.
Large crowds attended the vigil near the location where the assault took place, with many laying flowers alongside existing tributes left at the scene.
At the request of Mr Coughlan’s family, the gathering remained silent throughout, with no speeches or banners displayed.
Many of those attending were local residents who described their shock that such an incident could happen in broad daylight on a busy route regularly used by people travelling to and from the village.
Some attendees also expressed disappointment that no local TDs were present at the vigil.
Among those paying tribute was Umar Al-Qadri, who lives in the area and said the tragedy had deeply affected the local community.
In a social media post, Dr Al-Qadri said: “This tragedy feels especially close to home.”
He added: *“Far too many young people are becoming involved in violence, and it has to stop before more innocent lives are lost.
“Our communities deserve to feel safe, and meaningful change is needed to ensure tragedies like this never happen again.”*
Dr Al-Qadri also said he hoped those responsible would be held accountable and extended his sympathies to Mr Coughlan’s loved ones.
“I sincerely hope those responsible are held fully accountable and that some real lesson is learned from this tragedy,” he said.
He added that his thoughts were with “Alex Coughlan’s family and friends, and everyone who knew and loved him.”
