Sentencing of Three Men in Tom Niland's Killing
Three men will be sentenced for their roles in the killing of Tom Niland, a retired farmer who died after being beaten in his Sligo home.
Tom Niland suffered severe head and chest injuries and died in hospital twenty months after the attack. On January 18, 2022, three men forced their way into his home, demanded money, and punched him repeatedly.
Despite severe injuries, the 73-year-old managed to raise the alarm. DNA and other evidence were used in the case against his attackers: John Irving, Francis Harman, and John Clarke, who pleaded guilty to his manslaughter.
One doctor described his injuries as similar to being in a head-on car crash.
- John Irving, from Shanwar, Foxford, Co Mayo
- Francis Harman, of Killala Road, Ballina
- John Clarke, of Carrowkelly, Ballina
Author's summary: Three men to be sentenced for killing a retired farmer.