A Co Wexford publican remained critically ill with head injuries last night after being assaulted near his pub early on Saturday.
Mr Aindreas Ryan (42) was found unconscious outside the premises in the village of Taghmon, seven miles from Wexford town, at 3.30 a.m.
He was taken first to Wexford General Hospital, and later transferred to Dublin's Beaumont Hospital's neurological intensive care unit.
Last night a spokeswoman said that his condition was still critical, but had stabilised "somewhat".
No arrests have yet been made, but gardaí said they were pursuing a definite line of inquiry.
A spokesman declined to give further details, except to say there was no suggestion that robbery was the motive for the assault.
The scene of the attack at Ross Road, Taghmon, was preserved for forensic examination.
