The funeral is to take place today in Carrick-on-Shannon of the 20-year-old student who died following a violent assault in Mullingar two days before Christmas.
Leitrim native Andrew Dolan passed away on Sunday January 1 after being assaulted in Mullingar in the early hours of Friday December 23.
The NUI Galway student was on a night out with his former school friends from Wilson’s Hospital School, Multyfarnham when the assault occurred, shortly before 3am. He was taken to the Midland Regional Hospital in Mullingar before being transferred to Beaumont Hospital in Dublin, but he never regained consciousness and passed away on New Year’s Day from his injuries.
Gardaí investigating the assault, which occurred outside Abrakebabra on Pearse Street, Mullingar, have since arrested and questioned two men, aged 20 and 21, and a 19-year-old woman in relation to the incident. They were later released without charge and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. They are also investigating CCTV footage to determine the circumstances surrounding the assault.
Gardaí are continuing to appeal for witnesses who may have been in the area between 2am and 3am on December 23 to contact them at Mullingar Garda Station on (044 ) 9384000, the Garda Confidential Line at 1-800-666-111, or any Garda station.
Mr Dolan was a popular student at NUI Galway, where he had been studying bio-medical science. He was also a keen sportsman, having played with Shannon Gaels GAA and Carrick RFC. His parents Joe and Rosie Dolan are well known hoteliers, who own The Bush Hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon,
It is understood that Mr Dolan was an organ donor, and that at least five people have been given the gift of life as a result of his decision some time ago to sign up as an organ donor.
He is survived by his parents Joe and Rosie, and brothers Jack and Gavin.
Andrew’s funeral will be held at noon today [Friday] in St Mary’s Church in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim. He will be buried in Ardcarne Cemetery, Co Roscommon.
