Man critically injured in Inis Mór stabbing

Gardaí in Galway are investigating a stabbing incident on the Aran island of Inis Mór in which one man was critically injured.

The incident occurred near Cill Ronáin on Inis Mór shortly after 1pm today, when two men became involved in an altercation on the public road.

Chest wound
It is understood a man in his 40s, who is not a resident of the island, was stabbed and sustained a chest wound. A man in his 60s, a resident of the island, received cuts and bruises.

The Garda sergeant on duty was alerted, a number of islanders came to the aid of both men, and medical treatment was administered at the scene.

The Shannon-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter landed shortly before 2pm to transport the critically injured man to University Hospital Galway.

The helicopter returned to take the second man to hospital in Galway.

'Shocking'
Several islanders described it as "shocking" and "an awful thing to happen here". Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran islands with a population of over 600, still has tourists at this time of year, most of whom land off the ferry in Cill Ronáin.

It is understood that gardaí plan to interview both men as part of their inquiries. The most seriously injured man was described this evening as “critical but stable” in hospital.

No arrests have been made.