The pilot who was seriously injured in a stabbing on the largest Aran island of Inis Mór earlier this week is recovering in hospital, as gardaí in Galway continue inquiries.
Des Collins (47), who flies with the Aer Arann Islands commuter service, was described as "stable" last night in University Hospital Galway.
Inis Mór-based basket weaver Vincent McCarron (67) was continuing to receive medical treatment for minor injuries in hospital yesterday.
Both men were transported to University Hospital Galway on Tuesday by the Irish Coast Guard, after an altercation near Cill Rónáin on Inis Mór.
Inquiries
Gardaí from Salthill conducted preliminary interviews with both men in hospital yesterday as part of continuing inquiries into the incident.
Supt Noel Kelly of Salthill Garda station also confirmed that a knife had been recovered from the scene.
The men had been driving in separate vehicles when they met at a narrow stretch of road at about 1pm, and are believed to have become involved in a tussle. The pilot sustained a chest wound. Both were taken to the island surgery where they were treated by Inis Mór GP Dr Marion Broderick.
Mr Collins, from Galway, is well known on all three Aran islands which are served by daily commuter flights from Connemara airport at Inverin. Mr McCarron has been a long-time island resident with his wife Barbara and family of four.
Gardaí are anxious to hear from anyone with information which could assist the investigation.
