Niall Byrnes, who is in his 60s, was attacked in his house in Lisheen Park at approximately 9pm on Thursday.
Gardaí are understood to be following a definite line of inquiry regarding the attack, although a source said there have been no arrests so far.
In a statement, a spokesperson confirmed: “Gardaí are investigating a serious assault which occurred in Patrickswell, Limerick, at approximately 9pm on Thursday, 11th of September, 2025.
“A man, aged in his 60s, was brought to University Hospital Limerick to be treated for serious injuries.
“A technical examination of the scene was carried out. Investigations are ongoing.”
The attack occurred just over a month after Niall’s son, five-time All-Ireland-winning Limerick hurler Diarmaid Byrnes married his long-time love, Elaine Kennedy.
Proud father Niall Byrnes with All-Star son Diarmaid
News in 90 Seconds – Sunday, September 14
The four-time All Star recipient tied the knot with Elaine, a teacher from Newcastlewest, on August 9.
The newlyweds celebrated with family and friends – including Diarmaid’s Patrickswell teammates and fellow Limerick senior hurlers and their partners – at the luxurious five-star Dunloe Hotel and Gardens in Killarney.
Diarmaid, a business development executive with DHL Global Forwarding, had been dating Elaine for close to a decade.
The 2022 Hurler of the Year proposed in August 2023 during a romantic getaway to Inchydoney, West Cork, just weeks after Limerick clinched their fourth All-Ireland title in a row.
A source said: “This is a devastating ordeal for the family to go through so soon after such a joyful celebration.
“There is huge shock in Patrickswell at what has happened here. Niall would be a very decent man.
“People are in shock and are struggling to get their head around this,” the source added.
Niall is understood to be a huge supporter of son Diarmaid’s GAA achievements and was pictured with his son celebrating the younger man’s victory in the Limerick County Senior Club Hurling Championship Final in October 2016.
It’s understood Niall remained in the care of doctors in the Intensive Care Unit in University Hospital Limerick yesterday.
The attack on Niall Byrnes was one of two serious attacks to occur on people in their homes in Munster over a 24-hour period.
Separately, gardaí are investigating an attack on a man in his 80s in Tipperary town on Friday night.
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “Gardaí are investigating a serious assault that occurred at St Michael’s Avenue in Tipperary Town on Friday, 12th September 2025, at approximately 9.35pm.
“A man in his 80s was taken to University Hospital Limerick, where he is in critical condition.
“The scene was preserved for a technical examination to be carried out.
“Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward.
“Anyone who was in the area of St Michael’s Avenue between 7pm and 10pm, and has video camera footage (including dash-cam), is asked to make it available to Gardaí.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Tipperary Town Garda Station on 062 80670, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”