Gardaí release further information following brutal attack in Maynooth

Gardaí in Co Kildare have released further information on an attack which resulted in the hospitalisation of an 18-year-old NUI Maynooth student on Sunday night.

Kym Owens from Castleblayney was making her way to her accommodation in the Moyglare Abbey estate when she was seriously assaulted.

Appealing to potential witnesses to come forward with any information they may have pertaining to Kym's attack, Supt. Gerry Wall offered further details which may help to jog the public's memory.

"The assault took place between 8.15pm and 8.30pm on Sunday, November 20," he explained. "The road was well lit and this is a private estate but on that night there were very foggy conditions that reduced visibility."

Supt. Wall explained that the first year Arts student had arrived back to the university town from her home town on the A2B bus service just minutes before the incident took place.

"Kym made her way from Maynooth town after she got off the bus which is about a kilometre from here Moyglare Abbey estate and travelled up here."

“She was within 500 meters of her digs when she was seriously assaulted and left unconscious on the footpath here behind me."

"Did you get on or off that bus? Did you arrive on that bus that evening or were you in the Maynooth area?" Supt Wall asked.  “Were you in the Moyglare Estate area between 7pm and 9pm? Did you see anything suspicious?"

Kym, who has been described as 5’3 in height with long brown hair, was wearing a dark green coat over a red hoodie with black jeans and white converse runners and carrying a distinctive yellow and green bag with the word ‘Castleblayney’ written on it at the time of the assault.

It has been established that Gardaí patrols have increased in the university town since Sunday night's incident while Kym remains in a stable but serious condition in Blanchardstown Hospital.

Anybody with any information is asked to contact the incident room at Leixlip Garda Station on 016667800, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111 or any Garda station.

Image credit: Collins Photo Agency Dublin