GARDAÍ will not be releasing the results of a post mortem examination on the body of a man who died after he was assaulted in Limerick City at the weekend.
Alan Bourke, 48, a talented Limerick soccer and rugby player, and who was capped by the Republic of Ireland junior soccer team in the 1990s, was found unconscious and with serious injuries, at Colbert Station Plaza on Parnell Street at 10.25pm last Friday.
It’s understood Mr Bourke died from serious head injuries. The assault scene was marked today with bouquets of flowers as Mr Bourke’s devastated family began arranging his funeral.
Gardaí believe a number of people may have witnessed the fatal assault and appealed for anyone with either mobile phone video or dash cam footage to make it available to Gardaí.
Limerick City was particularly busy on the night with travelling rugby fans socialising ahead of Munster’s European Champions Cup clash against Exeter Chiefs at Thomond Park on Saturday.
Gardai would not comment when asked if they were looking to speak to one person or a group of individuals, as part of their enquiries.
A spokesman said: “An Garda Síochána does not discuss lines of enquiry in ongoing investigations.”
He added: “We can confirm that a post-mortem examination was completed by Dr Sally Ann Collis, State Pathologist, the results of which are not being released for operational reasons at this time.”
“The investigation is ongoing and Gardaí in Roxboro Road continue to appeal for anyone with information to come forward .”
Tributes poured in over the weekend for Mr Bourke, a native of St Mary’s Park, who was a well known sportsman in the 1990s and was capped at international junior soccer level. He was also a skilled rugby player with St Mary’s Rugby Club.
A tribute posted on St Mary’s RFC’s Facebook page read: “The club is saddened to hear of the passing of Alan Bourke. Alan was part of our all conquering under 18 team in 1989-1990. We offer our deepest sympathies to the Bourke family at this very difficult time. May he Rest in Peace.”
A minute’s silence was observed at district soccer matches across the city and county Sunday as a mark of respect to Mr Bourke.
