Investigations are underway into an assault on a member of the Limerick Athletics Club in the city last week.
Ethiopian born runner, Labeta Debela, who won the half marathon at the Great Limerick Run event this year, was badly assaulted by two men on the Old Cratloe Road, as he made his way to a training session last Thursday.
His coach, Willie Logan, told the Limerick Chronicle Tuesday, the 22 year old was “covered in blood” following the attack.
He was immediately taken to the Mid Western Regional Hospital in Dooradoyle where he was treated for head injuries and discharged later that night.
Gardai revealed Tuesday they had not been informed of the attack until early this week and are now liaising with the victim.
Garda Superintendent Frank O’Brien also discussed possible motives.
“We would be very concerned about a serious assault. If there was a racist undertone to it, that would be a particularly distressing and worrying development, if this victim was targeted because of his race. We are very anxious to try and identify the culprits.”
Supt O’Brien said they had no report of the attack on the Garda Pulse System and they will try and ascertain why they did not receive a report or complaint.
Via Irish Examiner.
The Irish Times reports the numerous wins under the young man’s belt, winning the Salty Faces 10km in Co Clare in May, the Jacinta O’Brien Plassey 10km in April.
“He is such a quiet young boy, everybody is mad about him. All his training companions are always very keen to run with him and I’d say everybody is upset at what happened.”
Via Irish Times.
The attack has sparked furious outrage and debate among online communities including Boards.ie and local blogs.
