Father of three set on fire in 'barbaric act' remains in induced coma

THE Cork man who was doused in petrol and set alight remained in an induced coma with life-changing injuries yesterday.

Keith Greaney, a father of three from the Dunard Estate, Lotamore, Mayfield, was dragged out of his home, savagely beaten, doused with petrol, and set alight in the early hours of Monday.

Gardaí questioned two men yesterday in relation to the incident but no arrests have been made.

Residents of the area have vowed to pull together to support Mr Greaney and his family in the wake of the attack.

Karen Collins, who lives in Dunard Estate and has been friends with the family for years, said they are currently trying to make contact with relatives to identify the most appropriate way to fundraise for his medical bills and family expenses.

She said Mr Greaney’s life has been steeped in tragedy since losing his brother, mother, and father while just a teenager.

“The trauma he has suffered over the last few years has been outrageous,” she said. “There have been so many tragedies but we’d like the family to know that the community will be here to rally around them. No family should have to go through something like this.”

She hopes the horrific incident will bring the community together and added: “A lot of communities might break down after something like this but we hope it can bring us together. As communities, we need to take a stand.

“I’m sure Keith’s family will have a lot of costs having to travel to hospital to see him so we’re hoping to set something up as soon as we can. What we really want is to bring people together again.”

Ms Collins spoke of how shockwaves are still rippling through the area.

“The whole community is in a state of shock,” she said.

“It was so horrifying. To get beaten up is one thing but to have someone pour petrol over another human being is horrific. Violence like that is no good for communities like ours.”

She said Mr Greaney gets on well with the rest of the community.

Local Workers’ Party councillor Ted Tynan said that there has been a lot of goodwill for Mr Greaney.

“People who know his background and history have a lot of sympathy for him,” he said. “There is a lot of goodwill towards Keith.

“This was a barbaric act. I don’t know what kind of a mindset it would take to do something like that. Everyone is sickened that this could happen in their own neighbourhood.”

Mr Tynan made reference to the crime wave enveloping Cork in recent weeks, which included the death of college student Cameron Blair from a stab wound on Bandon Rd and a joyriding incident in Blackpool.

“There is a huge cloud over Cork, given everything that has been going on,” Mr Tynan said.

“Everyone is wondering what has gone wrong for all these things to be happening.”

The politician reiterated the need for more community policing following the incident.

A Garda spokesperson said there have been no arrests made to date.

The spokesperson added: “The man remains in a serious condition in Cork University Hospital. The scene is no longer preserved following a technical examination.

“Gardaí are continuing to carry out door-to-door enquiries and gather CCTV. No arrests have been made and the investigation is ongoing.”

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in the Dunard area during the time of the attack who may have dashcam footage or information, to contact them at Mayfield Garda Station on 021 4558510, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any station.