A SOCCER player was treated at University Hospital Limerick after he was shot while playing a match in the County Tipperary village of Rear Cross last night (Saturday January 6).
The 32-year-old man was injured while playing a match between Ballymackey Football Club and Rear Cross Football Club at Rear Cross FC’s home ground.
One theory currently being examined by investigating Gardaí is that the man may have been hit by a stray round from hunters who discharged a firearm nearby.
The incident occurred at around 9pm during the second half of the match, which was being played under spotlights.
The man, a player for Rear Cross FC, sustained a gunshot wound to one of his arms.
Its reported that players and spectators heard the player letting out a cry of pain before falling to the ground.
They discovered that he had been shot in the arm.
Emergency services were immediately alerted, with both Gardaí and paramedics rushing to the scene.
The scene was preserved last night for a technical and forensic examination by Gardaí.
The injured man was treated at the north Tipperary sports ground by paramedics before he was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick.
According to reports, he was fully assessed and underwent additional treatment at the hospital late into Saturday night.
It has been reported that the man has since been discharged from hospital and has returned home.
Ballymackey FC Club Chairman George Haverty told RTÉ that it was a terrible shock for everyone but hoped that the player would make a good recovery.
Mr Haverty said the North Tipperary and District League has offered players and club officials counselling.
“We are very saddened to hear about the incident. 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.”
Rear Cross FC was contacted for comment.
Gardaí have appealed for any witnesses to the incident to come forward.
They have expressed particular interest in speaking to “individuals who may have been hunting in the area at the time”.
Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station on 067 50 450 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
