Woman (50s) remains in serious condition following incident with pit bull in Co Carlow

Sarah Slater

A woman in her 50s who was airlifted to hospital following an incident involving a pit bull terrier dog in Carlow remains in a serious condition.

The incident occurred shortly after 2 pm in Ashfield, Blackbog Road, on the edge of Carlow Town.

Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the incident, and it is understood that the woman, who has been named locally as Eileen Kelly, was attacked by one of two dogs she owns.

The woman is believed to have suffered injuries to her face and head in the incident, which occurred inside her home.

The woman was removed from the scene by air ambulance to the Mater Hospital Dublin for treatment of injuries believed to be serious.

In a statement, gardaí said the services of the dog warden were requested and the dog was euthanised by a vet at the scene.

"The dog is believed to be of a restricted breed.

"The scene is currently preserved for technical examination. Enquiries are ongoing."

Fine Gael councillor and Mayor of Carlow, Paul Doogue, said his “thoughts and prayers are with the lady involved and her family.”

The mayor added: “What an absolutely awful thing to happen and especially at this time of year which makes it worse. The entire community where the lady lives must be very shocked so my thoughts are with them also.”