Police are hunting for a thug who killed an Irishman in a one-punch attack on St Patrick’s Day in the US.
Barry Whelan, 46, had told colleagues that he had planned to have a pint of Guinness in Boston for the day that was in it. However the carpenter – who would “give you the shirt off his back” – was targeted in the city’s downtown area at 9pm on March 17.
Investigators believed he was knocked unconscious when he was punched once to the head. Mr Whelan was rushed to hospital where he battled for life for seven days before his life-support machine was switched off.
Read more: Dublin man assaulted in Boston on St Patrick's Day dies as murder probe launched
A post-mortem has established the cause of death was blunt force trauma and ruled it a homicide. Whelan, originally from Dublin worked as a carpenter with Twin Peaks Construction in the Boston suburb of Foxborough. He had been living in the nearby town of Woburn.
John Marsoobian, co-owner of the company Whelan worked for over the past two years, explained how his colleague had said he was going out for a pint for St Patrick’s Day. Marsoobian said: “He talked on Friday afternoon about the fact that it was St Patrick’s Day and he just wanted to go have a Guinness to celebrate.”
Marsoobian explained that he had not heard from Whelan all weekend and was alarmed when he arrived at a site the Irishman was over but was not there. He told Boston 25 News: “It was highly unlike Barry to not show up for work.”
Marsoobian later learned of the attack and helped police contact his family in Ireland.
Paying tribute to Whelan, he said: “He was patient. He was hardworking. He worked six days a week. He paid his taxes and he never complained about anything. He would give you the shirt off his back.
Whelan’s brother Darren has travelled to Boston from Spain where he lives, while their mother Valerie is also understood to be making the trip over from Dublin.
Marsoobian said Whelan’s brother described him as a “gentle soul.”
And Marsoobian added: “That’s what Barry was, a gentle soul.
“We will help the brother and their mom for as much as we need to help them through this and even after.”
Police have yet to make any arrests but CCTV footage has been recovered which shows the incident in full.
Although cops say they are still working to establish a motive, they have not ruled out that it may have been completely random.
Whelan is being waked at William J Gormley Funeral Home in West Roxbury between midday and 2pm on Thursday and his remains are to be interred in Dublin.
Scores of messages were left by his family and friends on his obituary page.
His Aunt Marian said: “Such a young life taken so sadly. Barry was a hard worker and loving son . Will be sadly missed. Thinking of Valerie and Darren at this sad time. Love Auntie Marian.”
His cousin Siobhan wrote: “So very sorry to hear of the loss of cousin Barry. Taken far too soon. Thinking of you all during this very difficult time,” while another cousin Nichola added: “Very sad to hear of Barry´s passing. A young life taken too soon.
“Thinking of Valerie and Darren at this sad and difficult time. May he rest in peace with Uncle Shay. Love your cousin Nichola.”
A police spokesman said: “The Boston Police Department is actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Boston Police Homicide Detectives.”
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