CO TIPPERARY, Ireland - While the circumstances remain unclear, a young woman has been hospitalised after what Gardai described as a 'serious assault.'

The incident occurred on Saturday night.

The woman, aged in her 20s, was airlifted to hospital. As of Monday she remains in a critical condition with "catastrophic" head injuries.

Gardai say the incident took place  on the R494 at Birdhill, in Co. Tipperary, shortly before 5:30pm on Saturday night. It is believed the young woman was found beside the road.

The scene was preserved for a technical examination and the road was closed with local diversions in place, However it has since re-opened

."Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact them," investigators said in a statement updated on Monday.

"Any road users who were on the R494 between Birdhill and the M7 motorway between 5pm and 6pm on Saturday, 21st March 2026 and may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí," the statement said.

"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station on (067) 50450, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station."

In particular, Gardaí say they are seeking information on the movements of two vehicles, a grey 162 Ford Transit van and a blue 161 Volkswagen Touran people carrier, travelling in convoy or driving dangerously between 4.30pm and 5.30pm on Saturday in and around Birdhill village, the townlands of Cooleen, Crag Cross, Shower Cross, Kylebeg, Annaholty and Thornhill, all in Co. Tipperary.

Gardaí say they are aware of video footage of the incident circulating online and ask members of the public not to share it on social media platforms or messaging apps, but instead to provide it to investigating Gardaí.

Gardai say investigations are ongoing.

File photo.