Footballer, 32, shot during match in 'freak accident' as police offer theory
Authorities are treating the shooting of a footballer in a match in Ireland as an accident, theorising that he may have been hit by a stray bullet fired from nearby farmland.
The incident took place as Irish teams Ballymackey and Rearcross, who play in the North Tipperary and District League, faced off on Saturday in County Tipperary. The player affected, who represents Rearcross, was reportedly shot in the arm.
RTE reported on Sunday that the individual, aged 32, had been released from hospital following treatment for his injuries, which were not life-threatening. Both clubs have sent messages of support for the player in question.
The Gardai have put out an appeal to speak to anyone who may have been hunting at the time of the incident, around 9pm on Saturday night. The sports venue where the game was being held is situated near farmland, and the prospect of an errant shot is being explored by the authorities.
"All at Rearcross FC are totally shocked at the turn of events last night when our Junior B team were playing a Division 2 league game under lights and a very serious incident occurred," a Rearcross statement read. "We are glad to say that our player is well and was discharged from hospital earlier this morning. We wish him a speedy recovery.
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Ballymackey chairman George Haverty also issued a statement on the matter. He added that the league has offered counselling to players and club staff affected.
"We are very saddened to hear about the incident," Haverty said. "We wish the player a speedy recovery and hope that gardaí find out who is responsible - and what happened - as soon as possible as there are games here under lights every weekend."
The incident took place during a match between Rearcross FC and Ballymackey (@rtenews)The player in question is said to have been heard "letting off a roar before collapsing onto the pitch," according to RTE's report on the incident. He received treatment before being taken to hospital, and was later released, while the match itself - held near the Tipperary-Limerick border - was abandoned. One source told The Sun it looked like a "freak accident".
"Shortly after 9pm on Saturday, 6th of January 2024, Gardaí and emergency services responded to an incident at a sports venue in Rear Cross, County Tipperary, where an adult male participating in a soccer match under floodlights sustained a gunshot wound to the arm," the Gardai confirmed to The Mirror.
"He was treated at the scene by emergency services personnel and brought by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick for further assessment. His injures are not life-threatening.
"The scene is preserved for forensic and technical examination and investigating Gardaí are appealing for witnesses. They are particularly appealing to individuals who may have been hunting in the area at the time to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station 067-50450 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111."
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