progress Pensioner Tom Niland’s family reveals his condition has 'improved'

The family of pensioner Tom Niland has said “it’s wonderful his condition has improved.”

Mr Niland (73) has been in hospital on life support since an aggravated burglary at his home on January 18th left him with serious injuries.

Speaking on Ocean FM, his cousin Michael Walsh said that while he has regained consciousness, and opened one eye, the other eye is severely damaged.

“We can't really tell what he can see because he can't speak to us,” Mr Walsh explained.

“He is on life support, he's been on life support all along and he just nods when I ask him can he hear me he will nod.”

Mr Niland suffered life-threatening injuries, including a bleed on his brain, a broken eye socket, and five broken ribs.

At first he made progress in hospital and was able to gave a statement to Gardaí.

However days later on January 26, his condition deteriorated, and he was placed on life support.

Three men have been charged with an aggravated burglary in connection with the incident which occurred at the farmer’s home in Doonflynn, Skreen, Co Sligo.

John Clarke, 33, of Carrowkelly, Ballina, Co Mayo, Francis Harmon, 54, Nephin Court, Killala Road, Ballina and John Irving, 28, of Shanwar, Foxford, Co Mayo were remanded in custody by Sligo District Court on March 10th.