Tom's killers were remorseless ...now we're left with only memories of this wonderful man

Victims' cousins speak out as burglars could face 15-20yrs

- BY EOIN REYNOLDS

THREE “remorseless” criminals who beat pensioner Tom Niland to death in his home to steal his money had 106 previous convictions between them, a court heard,

One of the three, John Irving, 31, had 57 convictions including for burglary, theft, arson, and criminal damage.

Inspector Paul Kilcoyne told the Central Criminal Court that in May 2013, Irving and two other men burgled the homes of two elderly men in the early hours.

One of the men was struck with a crowbar and his house was ransacked.

The second victim, an 82-year-old man who lived alone, awoke at 5am when a gas cylinder was thrown through his window.

Irving, of Shanwar, Foxford, Co Mayo, and Francis Harman, 58, of Nephin Court, Killala Road, and John Clarke, 37, of Carrowkelly, both Ballina, all pleaded guilty to manslaughter earlier this year.

They attacked Mr Niland at his home at Doonflynn, Skryne, Co Sligo on January 18, 2022 and took his wallet, containing about €800.