Gardaí are investigating after an off-duty detective was beaten following a Sligo A1 Minor Championship game between Shamrock Gaels and Owenmore Gaels.
The game - which took place on Friday night, September 2nd at Shamrock Gaels' Coola Pitch - was won by Owenmore on a scoreline of 4-8 to 2-12
According to the Irish Independent, rows erupted after the final whistle with members of the Owenmore club being upset regarding referee Joe Hynes' playing of eight minutes of additional time.
Detective Garda Chris O'Neill, who was not on duty at the time, was one of those who escorted Hynes from the pitch. O'Neill, a member of the Shamrock Gaels club, was allegedly punched, fell to the ground and then kicked repeatedly in the head. He briefly lost consciousness.
Sligo County Secretary Gerry O'Connor appeared on Radio One's Morning Ireland to address the incident.
We would hope the victim makes a full recovery.
These incidents are very rare, even in the GAA in general. It's not publicity we would like to see coming our way. It's very unfortunate that it did happen.
I know it happened shortly after the final whistle. I believe there was some altercation, some row; an exchange of views as you often as you often get.
One thing led to another but I believe the assault, if the allegations are true, it was at the higher end of the scale. It was certainly pretty vicious. It all has to be investigated yet.
Owenmore Gaels released a statement on Tuesday via their Facebook page.
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.
Coiste Gael na hAbhainn Móire
The Sligo Competitions Control Committee is also looking into the incident.
