Ballyfermot native Thomas Griffin died in St James’s Hospital on Sunday, May 31 after he was found injured by the Liffey following an alleged attack at the War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge, Dublin on Saturday night, May 30.
16:00, 13 Jun 2026Updated 16:18, 13 Jun 2026
Thomas Griffin
Funeral details of a man who died after he entered the River Liffey in a bid to flee his attackers have been announced as tributes continue to flow.
Ballyfermot native Thomas Griffin died in St James’s Hospital on Sunday, May 31 after he was found injured by the Liffey following an attack at the War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge, Dublin on Saturday night, May 30.
The 32-year-old swam across the River Liffey after he was reportedly assaulted.
He was treated by fire brigade personnel after swimming across the river to lands adjacent to Chapelizod Road.
He was then brought to St James’s Hospital, where he passed away.
It is understood that gardai are probing whether he died as a direct result of his injuries or some other medical cause brought on by the incident.
His death notice on RIP.ie stated Thomas died ‘suddenly.’
It is believed that Thomas tried to escape his attackers by entering the river – where he swam in the direction of the Chapelizod Road before succumbing to his injuries by the riverside
“Brother of the late James. Sadly missed by his loving mother Rose, father Gerard, loving brothers Ciarán and Gerard, baby sister Hannahrose, loving sons Daylin and Cavalli-James, step-son Fletcher, niece Monroe, Cavalli’s mother Nicole, large circle of friends, extended family and neighbours,” the death notice read.
His funeral will take place on Monday, June 15 at 12pm at Church of The Most Holy Sacrament, Cherry Orchard followed by burial in Palmerstown Cemetery.
Meanwhile, tributes continue to flow for Mr Griffin with one mourner writing
“You were one of the good ones, loyal as ever to your pals Tommy the Tank, may you rest in eternal peace kid,” while another wrote: ”RIP Thomas. Never forget the memories growing up. As loyal as they come. May you get the best bed in heaven,” and another wrote: “Hope Thomas is now at peace and reunited with his big bro James.
“Boys send strength to your ma and da and all your family and friends to get through this terrible time . Thomas you will always be remembered. Rest in eternal peace.”
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Another wrote: “Rip Thomas. Can’t believe you are gone. Our sound, great, good hearted friend. May you get the best bed in heaven. Give Jay a hug from us.
“Thinking of all your family at this upsetting time. Watch over them all until we meet again Thomas. Fly high with the angels”
Tragically this is not the first horror to visit Thomas’ grieving family.
Thomas’s brother James Griffin (26) was stabbed to death at a club event in the Celtic Gladiators Private Members Club in Ballyfermot on November 16, 2014.
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