Man (32) who drowned attempting to flee attackers in Dublin named
Sean Ryan
A young man who lost his life in a drowning accident in Dublin while trying to evade attackers has been named locally as Thomas Griffin (32) from Ballyfermot in Dublin.
It is believed that Griffin had his face slashed in an attack and tried to escape his attackers by entering the River Liffey on Saturday.
It is believed he swam in the direction of the Chapelizod Road before succumbing to his injuries by the riverside.
Gardaí and emergency services rushed to the scene and Griffin was taken to St James' Hospital, where he was subsequently declared dead.
Paying tribute, Sinn Féin Councillor Daithí Doolan said: "I want to send deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Thomas Griffin.
"His death was tragic, made worse by the questions that surround his untimely death. I would appeal to anyone who saw or heard anything on Saturday night in or around Memorial Gardens to please contact the Gardaí.
"It is hugely important that the family find out what happened to Thomas. His family and friends deserve to know what happened to their loved one."
Locals said Griffin was a keen boxing fan and a member of Saint Matthews Boxing Club in Ballyfermot.
Paying tribute, professional boxer Luke Keeler wrote on social media: "RIP to old friend Thomas Griffin, one of the very best fighters to come out of St. Matthews BC and Ballyfermot. Thoughts with his family."
Tragically this is not the first tragedy to visit the Griffin family. 12 years ago, his older brother James Griffin (26) was stabbed to death at a club event in the Celtic Gladiators Private Members Club in Ballyfermot on November 16th, 2014.
In a statement, gardaí appealed for any witnesses to come forward: "Gardaí in Ballyfermot are investigating all the circumstances surrounding a number of incidents at the War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge and on the Chapelizod Road in Dublin on the evening of Saturday 30th May 2026.
"Gardaí and emergency services attended following reports that a male had swam across the River Liffey to lands adjacent to Chapelizod Road, following an alleged incident of assault in the vicinity of the War Memorial Gardens at approximately 10.20pm.
"The male, aged in his 30s, was treated at the scene by personnel from the fire brigade before being removed by ambulance to St. James' Hospital, where he subsequently passed away on Sunday 31st May 2026."
