By Jerome Hughes
YOUNG boxers and their families from Donegal were left shocked after witnessing a brutal attack at a contest in county Roscommon at the weekend which resulted in one man being hospitalised having been assaulted with a machete.
Raphoe’s Peter O’Donnell, who’s been involved in the boxing community for decades, found himself at the centre of the terrifying ordeal.
While serving as MC at the U-14 tournament in Castlerea on Friday night, at least three masked men abruptly stormed the boxing arena.
“It was really terrible, just horrific. There are no words that could fit into place to describe what happened. They had machetes, billhooks and a sword.
The victim from the weekend attack at the U14 boxing tournament is reportedly from county Clare and was attending the boxing tournament to support a participating relative.
It’s understood the incident stemmed from a long-standing family feud, with previous attempts on the same man’s life taking place just six weeks ago.
The horrific assault occurred on the first day of the National Boy/Girl 4 Championships which was being held at The Hub in Castlerea. The man received a serious facial wound but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
A Garda statement confirmed that an incident room has been established at Castlerea Garda Station.
“Gardaí are appealing for witnesses following an alleged assault which occurred at a premises at Demesne, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon, on the evening of Friday the 1st of March.
“The incident occurred at approximately 9.45pm, when a male, aged in his 40’s, was assaulted. He received medical treatment at the scene and was later conveyed to Galway University Hospital for treatment for serious injuries. No further injuries were reported at the time.”
Mr. O’Donnell is hoping the horrific events of Friday night won’t shape people’s views of the sport, especially given that so many young people in Donegal benefit from taking part.
“This was an isolated incident and obviously has nothing to do with boxing. Most championships are held in the national stadium in Dublin. There are security guards and stewards at those events but they’re never needed.”
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have seen a white or silver Audi A4 car travelling in the Castlerea and Ballintubber areas of County Roscommon between 8.30pm and 11.30pm on Friday. Contact Castlerea Garda Station on (094) 962 1630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
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