TWO elderly brothers have been hospitalised after they were assaulted in their home.

Kevin and Joe Gannon, who are in their 70s, were set upon by a gang at their rural home near Cortoon, Tuam, Co Galway.

The incident is believed to have occurred in the early hours of Monday morning, however, it did not come to light until this afternoon.

It’s understood that up to three intruders entered their home and assaulted the two men while they were in their beds.

The gang demanded money and caused a significant amount of damage to the house before leaving around an hour later. The brothers have since been taken by ambulance to University Hospital Galway where they are being treated for their injuries and for shock.

“When the brothers were found there was a lot of things smashed up in the house. They’ve both been hospitalised but it’s not clear what injuries they have. They are both in shock as you can imagine,” said one local.

Gardai in Tuam are investigating the incident.

The Gannon home has been sealed off and preserved by Tuam gardai for technical examination.

A friend of the men described them as very quiet men who had lived alone in the rural area.

“One of the brothers didn’t go out much but the other one would cycle in and out of Tuam. They were definitely targeted.

“They didn’t have much money, what they had they lived on, really just their pension. It’s terrible if they were targeted like this,” he added.

Local Fine Gael councillor Peter Roche urged rural communities to be vigilant of such attacks.

“At this time of year people need to be vigilant and take every step to secure their homes. I would urge people to check in on their neighbours, especially elderly people living alone. We all need help at times,” he added.

Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact Tuam Gardai on 093-70840.

Online Editors