Two elderly brothers, both in their 80s, were beaten and robbed by four young men who entered their home on Valentia Island, Co Kerry, early yesterday morning.
A large quantity of cash was taken.
Mr Jimmy and Mr Neilly Sugrue were taken to hospital suffering from trauma and injuries. They had cuts and bruises to the face.
Tape had been put over the mouth of one brother who was sleeping downstairs, and he was tied to a chair before the attackers made their way upstairs to beat and tie up the second brother as he slept upstairs.
Telephone wires into the farmhouse at Corabeg Upper had been severed before the assault.
The farmhouse is at the bridge end of the island which connects Valentia with the mainland.
It overlooks the Great Skellig Island. Apart from savings, the men would have received their Christmas pension recently.
Gardaí believe the assailants travelled by car to the island. The attack took place between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m.
One of the brothers managed to free himself and go to a neighbour's at around 5 a.m. The house was not isolated, and relations, including a nephew, live nearby.
Age Action Ireland said it was horrified at the attack and urged people not to keep large amounts of cash at home.
It advocated the use of modern alarm systems and called for communities to be vigilant for old people, particularly over this Chtistmas period.
Supt Pat O'Sullivan of Cahersiveen gardaí strongly advised people not to allow strangers into their homes before being satisfied about identification.