Man dies after becoming unresponsive while being restrained in Cork pub

Gardaí are investigating the death of a man who collapsed and become unresponsive at a pub in Cork.

It is understood the man, aged in his 20s, was asked to leave a pub shortly after 9pm on Saturday.

He complied but returned a short time later and became disruptive.

He was again asked to calm down but became increasingly agitated.

A number of men tried to restrain the man amid concerns for his safety and the safety of others. The man became unresponsive.

An ambulance was called and paramedics went to the medical assistance of the man. However, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A garda spokesperson said that gardaí and emergency services responded to the incident shortly after 9pm, and that the body of the deceased has been removed to the mortuary at Cork University Hospital where a post-mortem examination “will take place in due course”.

A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation, and an incident room has been established at Bandon Garda station.

The Office of the State Pathologist has been informed, and the post mortem examination is set to determine the course of the Garda probe.

The scene will be technically examined. Statements will be taken from persons who were at the pub.

Gardaí are also appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.

Anyone with any information including road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in Riverstick, Co. Cork between 8:00pm and 9:30pm on Saturday 4th July 2026 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on (023) 885 2200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.