A Latvian man who was left fighting for his life after a violent row at the weekend had only arrived in Ireland 24 hours earlier, it emerged last night.
The 28-year-old man suffered severe head injuries after a quarrel outside the Statoil filling station beside the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Dooradoyle, Limerick, at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The injured man, whose name has not yet been released, was taken to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital but was transferred to Cork University Hospital where his condition was initially described as critical. He is now said to be out of danger.
It is understood the injured man and another Latvian were involved in a quarrel with a number of Limerick people and gardaí are still investigating what started the row.
One man and one woman were arrested in Limerick late on Sunday in connection with the incident and two others came forward voluntarily yesterday morning. Two people were formally arrested but released without charge last night and a file is being prepared for the DPP.
"One thing we can say is that it was not racially motivated, but we are still investigating what led to this affray," said a Garda spokesman.
Meanwhile, a 51-year-old Limerick man was fighting for his life at Cork University Hospital last night after he was found unconscious on Sunday night. Mr Michael Hayes was found at the entrance to Hogan's Lane, Church Street.
Gardaí believe Mr Hayes, who has been living in a hostel for the homeless on John Square, Limerick, suffered a serious head injury during a fall.
"All indications are that he fell and knocked himself unconscious. There is nothing to suggest foul play, but we are still keeping an open mind," said a Garda spokesman.
He has one son, who is serving a life sentence for murder. His wife was murdered in the city more than 20 years ago, but no one was convicted for her death.