Hundreds of people have attended a silent vigil for Alex Coughlan who died after being seriously assaulted Blanchardstown last Sunday. Two 16-year-olds have been charged in relation to the attack.
Locals attending placed flowers at the spot on Mill Road where Mr Coughlan was found unconscious after the shocking attack, with many expressing shock and horror that the assault took place in broad daylight in a busy area.
Some told RTÉ that they were very disappointed that no local TD attended the vigil. Local TDs for the area are Ruth Coppinger of PBP-Solidarity, Jack Chambers of Fianna Fáil, Emer Currie of Fine Gael, Paul Donnelly of Sinn Féin and Roderic O’Gorman of the Greens.
Mr Coughlan’s family said earlier this week that he was “truly loved by everyone” who knew him and asked that he “be remembered for the wonderful person he was and the love and laughter he brought to so many”.
Local councillor, Patrick Quinlan who helped to organise the vigil said it was “a beautiful and moving turnout this evening on Mill Road, Blanchardstown. Around 500 people came together in silence to remember Alex Coughlan; laying flowers, lighting candles, and showing solidarity with his family at this heartbreaking time.”
“Alex was remembered as the kind, caring and selfless man he was. The community stood quietly in his honour. May he rest in peace,” Cllr Quinlan said.
Alex Coughlan was subjected to what Gardaí described as a completely unprovoked attack and died on Wednesday in hospital. The two 16-year-olds have been charged with assault causing serious harm and robbery but have not been named due to their age.
In a crowd funder posted by organiser, Aoife Lawless to raise funds for the funeral, Mr Coughlan’s family said: “It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking, tragic passing of our beloved Alex Coughlan on Sunday, 17th May 2026.”
“Alex was truly loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His kindness, warmth, and presence touched so many lives, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him,” they wrote.
“In an incredible final act of kindness and generosity, Alex’s organs have been donated to help others in need — a lasting gift that reflects the caring and selfless person he was.”
“During this incredibly difficult time, Alex’s family would like to sincerely thank all the staff involved in his care at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown for their compassion, support, and kindness. They would also like to thank all family and friends who have been there for them with messages, visits, prayers, and support over the past days.”
“As the family prepare for the difficult weeks ahead and the upcoming funeral and related expenses, any donation, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated and will help ease some of the financial burden during this heart-breaking time.”
“Most importantly, the family ask that Alex be remembered for the wonderful person he was and the love and laughter he brought to so many,” they said.
“Thank you for your kindness, support, and generosity,” the crowd funder concluded.
On Wednesday, the court heard that it is alleged that one of the 16-year-olds assaulted the man while the other recorded the attack on a mobile phone. Neither boy made any reply when charged. Bail was objected to and refused in each case.
The court also heard that CCTV footage showed a man being followed and then being assaulted. A witness saw the man on his knees, crying and pleading while two males stood over him.
It is alleged that Mr Coughlan’s AIB card and his Revolut card were used to make purchases by the accused and that Gardaí found a gold ring later identified as belonging to Mr Coughlan in the home of one of the accused.