Community stand together in solidarity with Josip’s family

A VIGIL was held in Clondalkin last week for a Croatian national who died after an assault on Saturday, March 30.

Josip Strok, aged 31, and his friend David Druzinec were set on by a group of young men following an altercation outside a shop.

Mr Strok died in Tallaght University Hospital on Wednesday, April 3, after being put on life support.

The vigil took place at Grange View Road in Clondalkin and was attended by many including South Dublin County Mayor Alan Edge.

On X, TD Gino Kenny (PBP) posted pics of the vigil and said: “This evening people from Clondalkin and across Dublin came together to stand in solidarity with Josip Strok’s family and friends and every person who feels unsafe in the aftermath of this attack.”

Members of the Croatian community sang a hymn at the vigil.

Those in attendance lay candles and flowers on the ground.

It is believed Josip and David had been socialising in the city centre before returning to the Clondalkin area. They were involved in a verbal altercation with a group outside a store in the Towers Road area before getting on a bus and travelling to Grange View Way.

Shortly after arriving in the housing estate they were set upon by a group of men.

Gardai have carried out searches and examined CCTV but have yet to make any arrests.

It is understood they are looking for four young men believed to be responsible for the attack.

In a previous appeal, they said: “Gardai are specifically urging passengers who travelled on the No13 Dublin Bus from Clondalkin on Saturday, between 9pm and 10pm to come forward, especially those who disembarked at the bus stop on St Cuthbert’s Road and proceeded towards Grange View Road.

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this footage available to gardai.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Clondalkin garda station on 666 7600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.