The family of 21-yr-old Qayyum Balogun, who died after an assault in Dublin’s Grafton Street area, has called for justice and answers about what happened to him.
Balogun was discovered on Clarendon Street, near Grafton Street, in a serious condition at around 3am on Monday. He was rushed to St James’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
Gardaí are investigating the incident and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Drivetime, his mother Teslimot Balogun said the news had been a devastating shock for the family, as he was her first-born son. She added that he died shortly after the assault. When she arrived at the hospital around 5pm that day, she found his body. She described him as a quiet, independent young man who avoided trouble, had a good sense of humour, and was always friendly and easy-going. He was especially close to his father. Born in Ireland, the family has lived in Dundalk for more than 20 years.
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His stepmother, Loveth Patrick, called him the sweetest person one could meet. She said he was gentle and calm by nature, often spent time in his room, and could frequently be heard laughing. The family has no idea why he was assaulted and is seeking both answers and justice for him. Patrick rejected online rumours claiming he was involved in a gang, stating that he worked at a local Burger King and was studying Computer Science at Maynooth University. She stressed that the family simply wants justice.
Balogun attended Ó Fiaich College in Dundalk and later Ó Fiaich Institute of Further Education, where he completed programmes in business and computing.
The principal of Ó Fiaich College, Padraig McGovern, described him as a likeable young man who was well integrated into the school community. He performed strongly in his Leaving Certificate and further education courses, showing clear ambition and determination to achieve his goals. McGovern called him a credit to his family and the wider community.
The news of his death has deeply affected the school, which is currently preparing for exams, and the broader local area. McGovern said staff, students, and community members have been left in shock and disbelief, and he expressed sympathy for the family’s loss.
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