MORE than 100 witness statements have been taken by detectives investigating the assault on Kilkenny hurler Mr P.J. Delaney outside a Thurles nightclub four days ago.
Sources said the prime suspect is understood to be still in the Thurles area and his movements are being monitored, and an arrest is considered imminent.
Mr Delaney (26), from Johnstown, Co Kilkenny, remained critical but stable in Cork University Hospital last night. Dozens of people have visited the intensive care unit to offer support to his parents, Pat and Eileen, among them team-mates from Kilkenny and his club, the Fenians. Insp Bernard O'Neill, who is leading the investigation, said it was progressing well and was now at a sensitive stage. "We have had a good response from the public and would continue to appeal for any people who have not yet come forward to do so."
Door-to-door inquiries have been made throughout the town in an operation equal in scale to a murder investigation. Gardai have yet to confirm a motive for the attack, which took place outside a nightclub in Hayes's Hotel on Liberty Square, but they are sceptical of suggestions that it was because Mr Delaney was a hurler. Rather, it appears to have stemmed from an argument between Mr Delaney and a group of men, believed to have been seeking a late drink in the club. The men were expelled but remained in the area.
Sometime later, Mr Delaney was apparently lured out of the bar by a third party who claimed the men who had been expelled wished to make peace. As he emerged from the club, however, Mr Delaney was struck over the head. A brawl ensued in which a number of people were injured.
It is understood a conflict in evidence between eyewitnesses about who struck Mr Delaney has held up the making of arrests. Detectives have also yet to find the weapon used in the assault, believed to be either a baseball bat or a metal scaffolding pipe.
Prayers for the injured hurler were said last night at a special Mass at St Kieran's church in Johnstown, celebrated by parish priest Father Frank Maher.
Local curate Father Tom O'Toole said people felt "shocked and angry, especially as it seemed so premeditated. Everyone is just waiting now and hoping he can come off the life-support machine, safe and well."
