Double tragedy as boxer dies after getting into river whereas fleeing ‘slash assault’
Thomas Griffin, 32, from Ballyfermot died after entering the River Liffey following a suspected slash attack at the War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge, Dublin
Thomas Griffin, 32, from Ballyfermot died
A man has died after entering a river following a suspected knife attack. Thomas Griffin, 32, was reportedly slashed in the face and on his body in a suspected assault at the War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge, Dublin, around 10pm on Saturday.
It’s thought that Thomas from Ballyfermot attempted to evade his assailants by entering the River Liffey – where he swam towards the Chapelizod Road before succumbing to his injuries by the riverside. Police and emergency services hurried to the scene and Thomas was rushed to St James’ Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Heartbreakingly, this is not the first tragedy to befall Thomas’s mourning family – his brother James Griffin, 26, was fatally stabbed at a club event in the Celtic Gladiators Private Members Club in Ballyfermot on November 16, 2014.
James, affectionately known as ‘Jay’, died after sustaining multiple stab wounds to the neck, torso and arm before his attackers escaped the scene in a taxi, reports the Irish Mirror.
Now his family are plunged into further sorrow with the loss of his brother Thomas – tributes have been pouring in today for the young and talented boxer.
Friends say Thomas was passionate about boxing and had trained at St Matthews Boxing Club in Ballyfermot. Professional boxer Luke Keeler was among those paying tribute on social media writing: “RIP to old friend Thomas Griffin, one of the very best fighters to come out of St. Matthews BC and Ballyfermot. Thoughts with his family.”
Local councillor Daithi Doolan also issued a statement telling the Irish Mirror that his family deserve answers.
“I want to send my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Thomas Griffin. His death was very tragic, made worse by the questions that surround his untimely death. I would appeal to anyone who saw or heard anything on Saturday night to please contact the Gardaí.
“It is hugely important that we find out what happened to Thomas. His family and friends deserve to know what happened to their loved one.”
Gardaí are now awaiting the results of a post mortem examination to determine the course of the investigation.
In a statement, officers appealed for any witnesses to come forward: “Gardai in Ballyfermot are investigating all the circumstances surrounding a number of incidents at the War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge and on the Chapelizod Road in Dublin on the evening of Saturday 30th May 2026.
“Gardai and emergency services attended following reports that a male had swam across the River Liffey to lands adjacent to Chapelizod Road, following an alleged incident of assault in the vicinity of the War Memorial Gardens at approximately 10.20pm.
“The male, aged in his 30s, was treated at the scene by personnel from the Dublin Fire Brigade before being removed by ambulance to St. James’ Hospital, where he subsequently passed away on Sunday 31st May 2026.
“A post-mortem examination will be carried out. The investigation is being carried out under a Senior Investigating Officer.
“Gardai are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information in relation to this incident to come forward.
“Any persons or road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area between the hours of 9:00pm to 10:45:pm on Saturday 30th May 2026 – are asked to make this footage available to Gardai.
“Anyone with any information is asked to contact Clondalkin Garda Station on 01 666 7600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
