GARDAI are probing shock claims that an adult walked onto a pitch during a game of hurling – and assaulted a nine-year-old boy.
The Mirror has established that the man is alleged to have grabbed the defenceless kid by the throat during a hurling blitz in Co Tipperary on Saturday afternoon.
“The allegation is the man walked onto the pitch during a game, confronted a nine-year-old and grabbed him by the throat,” one source confirmed last night.
We have established that the boy’s horrified mother witnessed the incident in Thurles witnessed the incident – and called gardai.
Now officers in the Co Tipperary town have begun an investigation into the incident and although there have been no arrests it is understood they have identified a suspect.
Sources also confirmed that, as part of the investigation, a man presented himself to Thurles Garda Station on Saturday evening.
Gardai confirmed to The Mirror yesterday that an investigation into an alleged assault was underway – but officers declined to release more details as the incident involved a minor.
But several sources have confirmed to us that the alleged victim was aged just nine.
He was one of dozens of kids involved in a Munster GAA under age hurling blitz at Dr Morris Park in Thurles when the incident happened on Saturday morning
A Garda spokesman confirmed the force was investigating an alleged assault.
He said: “ Gardaí at Thurles were alerted shortly after 1pm on Saturday 15 th October 2022 following an incident of alleged assault at a sports event in Thurles.
“Enquires into the matter are ongoing.
“As the incident involves young persons An Garda Síochána will not be commenting further at this time.”
Sources confirmed that the alleged victim did not require any medical treatment following the incident and nobody has been arrested as of late last night.
The blitz was organised by Munster GAA and a spokesman for that organisation last night confirmed it was aware of the incident – and was carrying out its own investigation.
He said: “We are aware of the incident.
“It will be investigated – and investigation will take place without delay.
“It was brought to my attention this morning and my concern is that we will deal with it immediately.
“It will be dealt with, I’m sure and the gardai are looking into it as well.”
News of the latest Garda investigation comes amid increasing concerns at violence and intimidation in GAA games.
Just last week, the GAA announced plans for a Respect The Referee Day – following incidents in Wexford and Roscommon in recent months.
On Friday, Wexford GAA suspended a man for 96 weeks after respected Michael Lannigan was allegedly assaulted last month at the end of a Wexford GAA Junior 'A' football championship game in Whiterock Hill in the town.
Mr Lannigan, a member of the Shelmaliers club, is one of the most experienced referees in the county, and the news sent shockwaves throughout the county.
And in August, referee Jimmy Heavey was allegedly assaulted in Oylegate after a hurling game.
Meanwhile, gardai are still investigating the alleged assault of Roscommon referee Kevin Naughton at the end of August.
He was officiating an under-17 match at Ballyforan in Roscommon between home side St Aidan’s and St Dominic’s when he was left needing medical attention following an incident during the game, which was abandoned as a result, on Wednesday August 31.
A man was later given the maximum ban of 96 weeks by the GAA over that incident.
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