A man has been charged with murder following the death of a man in Co Antrim more than a week ago.
Paul Francis O'Boyle, 58 and known locally as Fez, died on Monday at Coleraine Hospital eight days after he was found unconscious behind a bar on Main Street in Rasharkin.
Police said a 56-year-old man who was arrested on Wednesday morning has been charged with murder, and he is expected to appear before Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
Mr O’Boyle loved to write poetry and had a passion for Everton FC, according to posts on social media.
As he battled for life in Coleraine Hospital Intensive Care Unit, and following his death, his wife Sarah posted on social media lines he wrote for her.
She also asked all Evertonians to pray for her husband, known as Fez, as he was still fighting for his life.
Sarah changed her profile from “feeling loved” to “feeling hearbroken” following his death.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced but a notice stated he died “peacefully surrounded by his loving family”.
He is described as the beloved husband of Sarah; son of the late Gerry and Pauline; loving brother of Geraldine and Colum and a much loved uncle and friend.
A 56-year-old man was originally charged in relation to the incident of causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He was due to appear before Coleraine Magistrates Court on May 15.
Sinn Féin councillor Leanne Peacock said: “My condolences go out to his wife and the entire family circle. It’s a terrible time for the community in Rasharkin and our heartfelt condolences and thoughts are with them all at this very difficult time.”
Parish priest Father Luke McWilliams described the “sense of shock” in the village after his death was confirmed.
“It’s terrible for the family to lose Paul. He was a relatively young man, and I’m really sorry that they’ve lost him,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.
“I just saw him in the hospital yesterday [Monday], shortly before he died. He was fighting for his life over the last few days.
“We were all praying for him and his family over the past week. There is definitely a sense of shock. The people are very upset and very sorry about it.”
