How evil robbers left tragic OAP, 74, ‘crying tears of blood’ as family warn of gangs targeting rural Irish communities

Tom suffered brain injuries, a fracture to his eye socket and ­multiple rib fractures, and his ears were also left black and blue
THIS is how three “evil” burglars left innocent farmer Tom Niland after a brutal attack at his home.

The never-before-seen image shows the Sligo bachelor, 74, ­recovering in his hospital bed.

And his first cousin Michael Walsh told us: “I will never forget Tom lying there in hospital and he was crying tears of blood — it was absolutely horrific.”

Another shocking picture shows the extensive bruising Mr Niland suffered after he was confronted by the thugs at his isolated home in Doonflin, Skreen, Co Sligo, on ­January 18, 2022.

They have been published with the consent of the farmer’s family as gangs continue to target rural communities across Ireland.

Pensioner Tom was targeted by Mayo criminals John Irving, 31, from ­Foxford, Francis Harman, 58, from Ballina, and John Clarke, 37, from Carrowkelly.

Following the attack — which earned the raiders just €80 — Tom spent months in hospital before his condition deteriorated.

He passed away on September 30, 2023.

He had suffered brain injuries, a fracture to his eye socket and ­multiple rib fractures. His ears were also left black and blue.

The monsters who ­targeted Tom in the brutal attack received a combined prison sentence of 43 years for the ­unlawful killing.

And the farmer’s first cousin Michael Walsh, 68, today tells of his family’s ongoing torment over the ­sickening assault.

He said: “Tom was a big strong man but he didn’t stand a chance coming up against three individuals who were intent on using shocking ­levels of violence against a ­completely innocent man.

“I think the images of the ­injuries Tom received are important because they remind society of what these individuals did to Tom.

“It won’t be long before they’re released from custody and I firmly believe they will continue to pose a threat to society.

“We all miss Tom so much and it’s still hard to believe that he experienced such a violent, vicious and evil attack.”

Michael continued: “Tom was like a big brother to me. He was such a kind, wonderful and ­generous man.

“Everyone knew him and he had such a caring personality.

“It took three of them to cause so much damage and you have to be inherently evil to commit such a depraved act of violence.”

As part of our revelations on one of the most brutal attacks in ­Ireland’s rural community, The Irish Sun on Sunday can also reveal images from inside the bachelor’s home.

In one of the exclusive shots, blood can be seen in the kitchen of Tom’s property.

Other images show how the criminals ransacked his home in their desperate search for cash.

Michael said: “There was blood everywhere including on the ceiling. I will never forget that awful sight.

“There was also a blood footprint on the side of the wall and they must have had to balance when they were attacking him as he lay on the ground. Every room in that house was ransacked, completely destroyed by their actions.

“They wrecked the house at the same time they inflicted horrendous injuries on Tom — that would ­ultimately lead to his death.

“I will never understand how anyone could inflict such levels of violence on another human being.”

Mr Niland’s cousin also revealed how the family had received ­hundreds of messages from around the world.

One included a letter from St Matthew’s Church in El Paso, Texas, who offered pensioner Tom a visit to the US.

Michael told us: “The support that we have received from across Ireland and around the world has been amazing.

“I think Tom’s story resonated with so many people around the world because he was attacked in his own home at 6.30pm at night.

“He put up a brave fight after suffering such devastating injuries and people were genuinely horrified about what happened.

“The fact that even people in America wanted to help him shows how much people cared.”

Michael also revealed how a local woman offered to bring a cow to the hospital during Tom’s recovery, and how his sister Sandra also brought her dog to the hospital.

He said: “Amidst all the trauma of Tom’s suffering, we had ­light-hearted moments in which ­members of the local community wanted to do their bit to help him.

“People were genuine and just wanted to do anything they thought could bring a smile to his face.

“Tom’s legacy will be one of kindness, decency and generosity.

“But the individuals who attacked him have brought shame on their own families. They will always be known as the men who committed an appalling act of violence on a completely innocent man.”

As the family continues to mourn Tom’s loss, Michael paid tribute to the local community and the ­investigation team at Sligo Garda station for their support in the months after the attack.

He said: “Gardai who investigated Tom’s case were amazing and we will never forget what they did.

“The work, commitment and dedication was second to none from day one. They left no stone unturned. With their commitment they were able to bring a case against three evil men who preyed on a very valuable member of the community.”

Deputy President of the Irish Farmers Association, Alice Doyle, has urged rural communities to remain vigilant as they continue to be ­targeted by criminals.

In 2025, 132 incidents of property crime involving farmers were reported to cops.

Farmers have also been targeted by illegal trespassers, cattle theft, sheep theft and plant machinery theft.

The senior IFA rep said: “Rural crime comes under many different headings. It’s important for rural communities to remain vigilant and to check on each other.

“If you’re a vulnerable person living in rural ­Ireland, you can feel threatened if you are ­targeted by criminals. And the trauma of that experience can last for a very long time.”