Four men detained for questioning regarding an assault in Thurles, Co Tipperary, were released without charge last night.
This followed an attack last weekend which has left a man in a critical condition with serious head injuries. Gardai are preparing a file for the DPP.
The men, who are in their mid-20s, are from the Thurles area, according to a Garda spokesman, and were detained for questioning under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, yesterday between 7.30 and 8 a.m.
The assault, which left Mr John Keane (26), of Inisfallen Avenue, Thurles, in a critical condition, occurred at West Gate/Friar Street, at 1.30 a.m. on Saturday. He was rushed to Cashel Hospital and later transferred to Cork University Hospital, where he remains in a critical condition. He underwent surgery last Saturday and Tuesday but has not regained consciousness.