Gardaí investigating the death of a man in Co Wicklow on Sunday night have confirmed he was struck by a car following an assault.
Brian Doyle (48) died outside Fitzgerald's pub on Main Street in the picturesque village of Avoca following an altercation.
Mr Doyle, who was from the area had left the bar - which was made famous when it was featured in the popular BBC television series Ballykissangel - to have a cigarette at about 9pm when the incident happened.
Gardaí believe an argument, about the Everton vs Liverpool soccer game earlier in the day, began between some of those gathered smoking outside the pub. Mr Doyle was punched in the head and fell to the ground, suffering head injuries. Officers have now said he was struck by a car after he was assaulted and fell.
A passing motorist saw Mr Doyle on the ground and called the emergency services.
However, paramedics’ attempts to resuscitate Mr Doyle failed and he was pronounced dead just after 9.30pm outside Fitzgerald’s Pub.
Gardaí today issued an appeal to motorists who drove through the village on Sunday night at about 9pm to contact them. They also said they were looking to speak to the driver of a jeep who it is believed passed by the scene at about the time the incident took place.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Avoca Garda station on 0402-32304