Mr Johnny Golden (73), of Doogary, Killeshandra, Co Cavan, and originally from Bray, Co Wicklow, was the subject of a violent attack in his home on the 6th or 7th September 2010. His injuries were extensive, and the nature of those injuries were reportedly particularly brutal. Mr Golden died in Cavan General Hospital on Tuesday, 6th October at 7:50pm.

Gardaí are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward. Gardaí are particularly interested in hearing from anyone that may have been in the vicinity of Mr Golden’s home in Nedd, Doogary, between 9pm on Monday, 6th September and 9:40am on Tuesday, 7th September.

People with information are asked to contact Ballyconnell Garda station on (049) 9525580, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

The attack on Mr Golden was first reported by the Leitrim Observer on 16th September. Superintendent Thomas Maguire of Ballyconnell Garda Station told Gaelick that Mr Golden was discovered unconscious by a neighbour at 9:40am on 7th September, who alerted the ambulance service and An Garda Síochána. Mr Golden was taken to Cavan General Hospital where the nature and extent of his injuries became apparent.

According to The Sunday World, he had sustained external injuries and massive internal injuries having been subjected to a violent sexual attack with objects. Mr Golden was also beaten about the head. Supt. Maguire was unable to comment on Mr Golden’s injuries. Mr Golden underwent surgery and received an emergency transfusion after his arrival at Cavan General Hospital. Mr Golden remained in a critical condition until he passed away on the evening of 6th October.

On Wednesday, 8th September, the area around Mr Golden’s home was cordoned off by the Garda Technical Bureau, who carried out a thorough search. Gardaí have also made house to house visits and other enquiries in the locality. A local youth, aged 17 years, was arrested on 11th September under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, and held for 24 hours. He was released without charge the following day.

According to Supt. Maguire, Gardaí are currently investigating an assault. Mr Golden’s remains were transferred to Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, where a postmortem was last night carried out by the Deputy State Pathologist, Dr Kahlid Jabbar, to establish Mr Golden’s cause of death. It is unclear when the findings of the postmortem will be made available. If his injuries are found to have been the cause of death, the investigation may become one of murder or manslaughter. Supt. Maguire was unable to comment on this, however. An incident room has been set up in Ballyconnell Garda station. Gardaí remain open minded in their investigations, and are pursuing all lines of enquiry.

Supt. Maguire stressed that this was an isolated incident and appealed for anyone with any information, even if they think it is insignificant, to contact An Garda Síochána who will investigate fully.

According to reports, Mr Johnny Golden was raised in an orphanage called the Sunbeam Home in Bray, Co Wicklow. In his teens he moved to live in Gulladoo, south of Carrigallen, where he found work as a farmhand. At the Church of Ireland in Killegar, he was later appointment as a sexton. Mr Golden was a noted traditional musician and step-dancer. He was a retired mechanic and enthusiast of vintage tractors. He was well known in his locality, and highly regarded by those who knew him. He appeared in a 2006 book, Vanishing Ireland, by James Fennell.

(Updated 00:55am 09/10/2010:) The Irish Times reports that the funeral of Mr Golden will take place tomorrow, Sunday, 10th October. His body will repose in Cavan Hospital until 1pm tomorrow, and the funeral will leave the hospital at 2pm to make its way to the Church of Ireland Killlegar Parish Church for the requiem service and burial afterwards in the local cemetery.

Garda appeal for information: Please contact:

• Ballyconnell Garda station: (049) 9525580; or

• The Garda Confidential Telephone Line: 1800 666 111; or

• Any Garda station: An Garda Síochána station directory

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