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O’Connell Street
A young garda is at the centre of a major investigation by the office of the Police Ombudsman after the officer allegedly pushed a 51-year-old man who suffered critical head injuries after he fell on the street.
The early morning incident which happened near the Holiday Inn on O’Connell Street at 4.15am on Friday was captured on good quality CCTV.
The 51-year-old Dublin man was rushed to hospital where he has remained in a critical condition since.
The Dublin man has been described as “a very decent individual from a loving family.”
O’Connell Street
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – 18th August
Sources have described what has happened as a “devastating tragedy for all involved.”
It is understood the garda who is based at a north inner city station has not yet faced disciplinary sanctions in relation to the incident which followed an interaction between gardaí and the 51-year-old man.
In a statement, Fiosrú, said the man suffered “serious harm”, prompting a referral under new policing legislation.
Fiosrú is now appealing for witnesses who may have been in the area at the time. In particular, investigators are keen to hear from anyone close to the hotel at around 4.15am, or from drivers — including taxis — who may have dashcam or mobile phone footage.
“Anyone with information which may be of assistance to this independent investigation is asked to contact Fiosrú at 0818 600 800 or info@fiosru.ie,” the Ombudsman’s office said.
One of Fiosrú’s on-call investigators attended the scene on Friday and the office confirmed it is continuing to engage with the injured man’s family.
The referral to Fiosrú was made under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which requires the Garda Commissioner to pass on any matter indicating that the act or omission of a garda member may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person.
Section 203(1) of the Act provides for such referrals, while Section 208(1)(b) prevents the Ombudsman’s office from making further public comment while an investigation is underway.
Fiosrú said the investigation is ongoing and that no additional details could be provided at this stage.
A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said: “An Garda Síochána referred an incident to Fiosrú following an interaction between a member of the public and an on-duty Garda Member on Friday 15th August 2025”.