'One-punch' assault death probed as murder

Tragic Ryan, 29, lost battle for life after 'hitting head' during attack

- BY MICHAEL O'TOOLE Crime and Defence Editor

GARDAI have upgraded the investigation into the death of this young man into a murder probe, the force has announced.

It said in a statement yesterday evening that the death of Ryan Gibbons in Kildare town, Co Kildare, was now a murder inquiry.

The decision was taken after a post mortem was carried out earlier in the day.

Mr Gibbons, who was 29, died on Thursday evening at Naas General Hospital - five days after he was attacked in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The force statement said: "Gardai continue to investigate a serious assault that occurred in Kildare town in the early hours of Sunday, 26 October 2025.