Gardaí in Limerick are investigating an apparent assault that left a man in his twenties unconscious and with head injuries.
The young man was found on a footpath on the Osmington Terrace in the Thomondgate area of the city at 3.15 a.m.
Gardai believe it is unlikely the man suffered injuries due to a fall and have appealed for witnesses.
He is being treated in the Mid Western Regional Hospital.