Woman hospitalised after third assault in Mayo

Regina Sweeney appeared on ‘Late Late Show’ discussion on rural crime

Regina Sweeney,  who is married to a local detective, is a daughter of the late Liam Coady, who was personal driver to Taoiseach Enda Kenny when he was leader of the opposition.  Photograph: Eric Luke
Regina Sweeney, who is married to a local detective, is a daughter of the late Liam Coady, who was personal driver to Taoiseach Enda Kenny when he was leader of the opposition. Photograph: Eric Luke

A 36-year-old boutique owner was recovering at Mayo General Hospital last night from injuries she received when hooded men attacked her at her home in Breaffy, near Castlebar.

It was the third vicious attack in as many months on Regina Sweeney. It occurred at about 5.15pm today and resulted in Ms Sweeney being taken to hospital with unspecified injuries. It is understood her injuries are not life-threatening.

Ms Sweeney, who is married to a local detective, is a daughter of the late Liam Coady, who was personal driver to Taoiseach Enda Kenny when he was leader of the opposition.

She was first attacked and robbed at her home in early December by two men wearing balaclavas.

READ MORE

Following the December attack, she appeared on The Late Late Show to take part in a panel discussion on the rising wave of rural crime.

The second attack, also at her home, occurred in early February when she was taunted by her two attackers that she “wasn’t as cocky now as she was on the telly”.

There is local speculation a criminal gang, possibly with Limerick connections, may be involved in the attacks on Ms Sweeney because of her Garda connections.