A garda investigation is underway after an off-duty garda was beaten unconscious at a underage GAA football match in Sligo on September 2.
Detective Garda Chris O’Neill was beaten unconscious after he tried to help the referee who was being verbally abused as he left the pitch.
The Sligo A1 Minor Championship semi-final between Shamrock Gaels and Owenmore Gaels was won by Owenmore, but there was a dispute regarding the extra time played and the referee was under major attack.
Garda Chris O’Neill, was punched while protecting the referee and fell to the ground where he was subsequently kicked, beated and smashed unconscious.
In a statement released by Owenmore Gaels GAA Club on their Facebook page, the club said: “Following the minor match in Coola on Friday night September 2nd the club would like to emphasise it does not condone the scenes that followed.
“We are carrying out our own investigation and are awaiting the findings of the CCC and referees report.”