Buncrana stunned by attack on 96 year-old woman

Gardai in Buncrana confirmed yesterday evening they had ‘made some progress’ in their investigations into events surrounding an attack by thugs on a 96 year-old woman at Aghilly, outside the town, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Frail Margaret ‘Greta’ Lilly is recovering at Letterkenny General Hospital after being punched and gagged by her attackers.

It was also confirmed yesterday the raiders stole what is described as a “substantial” amount of money which she was saving to have new windows put in her home.

The attack has caused outrage locally.

Robbie Callaghan, her next-door neighbour said he and his wife Rosemary were entertaining friends at home when Greta’s alarm was activated on Saturday morning last.

Robbie, who is linked to Ms Lilly by an Eircom alarm, rushed to the scene and found Greta terrified with fear.

“The first thing I noticed was that the kitchen window was open and I knew that wasn’t right.

“All I heard then was this screaming and I called out her name and she recognised my voice.

“She then started screaming that she was robbed and attacked. When she opened the door she was holding her side and it looked like she had been hit on the face,” he revealed.

He added he had ‘never heard screams like it’.

“I honestly thought she was dying. The screams were terrible.

“I have never seen anything like it. When she opened the door she was terrified.

“She could hardly breathe with the fear and I got a brown paper bag to help her breathe a little easier.

“What sort of person does something like this? It’s bad enough she was robbed but to hit a woman who is almost one hundred years old is just disgusting,” said Robbie.

Her husband Ted died around ten years ago and Ms Lilly has lived alone since.

Meanwhile Gardai say they are making some progress in their investigation.

Inspector David Murphy of Buncrana Garda station said: “We have made some progress but we have not made any arrests at this stage.

“We have received a lot of information which we are following up and acting upon as part of our overall enquiry,” he said.

It is understood that Gardai are looking to speak to any unexpected callers to Mrs Lilly’s home in days leading up to the attack as part of their investigation.