A Carlow man died in a hospital in Prague today from injuries he received in a suspected mugging in the Czech capital over the weekend.
Fergal Barry, 35, from Tullow Road in Carlow town, was taken to the hospital early last Friday in an unconscious state with a serious injury.
It is suspected he had been the victim of a mugging and assaulted while out socialising during a holiday in the Czech Republic.
His parents, Mary and Kevin Barry, from Seven Springs in Carlow town, are believed to have flown to his bedside after they were informed was in intensive care at Prague Hospital.
It is understood the young man had travelled out to Prague last week with a friend for a pre-Christmas break.
A local councillor in Carlow town confirmed the family of Mr Barry had been informed of his injuries. He said the family understood he had been mugged while over there on holidays.
Prague police spokesman Ladislav Bernasek confirmed the 35-year-old man, identified by Prague police only by the initials FB, died in hospital today. Prague police said officers were investigating the cause of the injury. The hospital said Mr Barry, who worked in Irish Rail, was fighting for his life since he was operated on last Friday.
A statement from the hospital's spokesman, Leos Kabat, said the tourist had probably died of a head injury. The Department of Foreign Affairs, who confirmed an Irish man had died in Prague, said the family were receiving consular assistance from the Department and the Irish Embassy in Prague.