‘I don’t know how someone wasn’t killed’
It’s only a matter of time before someone innocent is seriously hurt as a result of gang violence in Cork.
That’s according to Cork city councillor Fiona Kerins (Sinn Féin) who said locals are living in fear in Ballyphehane following last week’s gang-related car chase and armed assault.
Cllr Kerins, who lives in Ballyphehane on Cork city’s southside, said locals now feel that more terrifying and dangerous incidents are inevitable.
“People are nervous as this seems to be an ongoing incident,” she said.
“The house/person has been targeted a number of times and people are understandably nervous it will happen again,” added Cllr Kerins.
The incident took place on the evening of 4 August when masked suspects converged on a man on Pearse Road in Ballyphehane, close to an address which had been the target of a petrol bomb attack in May. The man in his 20s is reported to have fled in a vehicle resulting in a dramatic car chase through the Cork suburb which ended with a car crashing close to the entrance of Virgin Media Park on Tramore Road. At least one other parked vehicle was damaged during the pursuit.
“I passed the crashed car last Monday and I don’t know how someone wasn’t killed on Tramore Road that evening,” said Cllr Kerins.
It is understood the fleeing man was then assaulted by his pursuers with various blunt instruments. Gardaí and emergency services were called to the scene and the man was taken to CUH for injuries believed to be non-life threatening. He is still recovering from his injuries. In an official statement, gardaí confirmed that no complaint had been lodged by the victim of the assault.
“I think what makes it worse is the fact it’s happening broad daylight when people are out and about, including kids,” said Cllr Kerins. “No one should have to witness this. It’s reckless behaviour and it’s only a matter of time before someone innocent is seriously hurt.
“We need reassurances from the gardaí that these people will be brought to justice,” she added.
The Cork Independent reached out to Munster Rugby for comment regarding damage done to the outer wall of Virgin Media Park, but the organisation declined to comment.