Sharon Lynn lost her brother Martin in an unprovoked one-punch attack outside his own front door in Dublin in 2023. His killer has never expressed any remorse.
Cian Gallagher was killed in a similar attack in Tallow, Co Waterford in 2022. After his assailant punched him, he boasted to passersby that he had knocked him out "like Conor McGregor". Cian never woke up – he spent eight days in intensive care at Cork University Hospital before he died.
Both men died in entirely unprovoked attacks. Both were non-violent, contributing to society positively.
Their siblings are now campaigning for a focus on these random attacks, emulating the Australian model. They want to see awareness campaigns, a focus on prevention, and guidelines for consistent sentencing.
In today's episode they share their families' struggles with the criminal justice system; the reality of trying to grieve while undergoing gruelling court proceedings; and how the attacks shattered their belief in justice.
They talk about masculinity, and how their experiences have highlighted the contrast between good men and those who glorify violence.
Sharon and Bryan are the guests on today's episode of The Deirdre O'Shaughnessy Podcast.
See Ann Murphy's reporting in the Irish Examiner for more on this story.
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