Criminal claims he was knocked over by garda car

Jimmy Woulfe, Mid-West Correspondent

However, gardaí who were on duty at St Mary’s Park at the time dismissed the allegation, claiming he was just “trying it on.”

Philip Collopy, aged 25, who was only released from prison last Friday, was brought to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital. A spokesman for the hospital said the man was seen at the A&E department and was allowed home as he did not have any apparent injuries.

Collopy is a leading member of a feuding gang based in St Mary’s Park. He was jailed for two years last June over his role in a huge fight inside Supermacs on the Ennis Road.

Limerick City Council has asked gardaí to give back up in rounding up stray horses at the time Collopy alleges he was hurt.

“There are up to 30 stray horses causing huge damage in St Mary’s Park, and we have received numerous complaints and felt action had to be taken,” said a spokesman.

A major force of gardaí moved to St Mary’s Park at around 10am to help council personnel.

While yesterday’s operation was under way, a crowd of locals gathered.

According to a garda spokesman, Collopy jumped out in front of a garda patrol car and claimed he had been struck.

The incident happened at St Ita’s Street, after six horses had been taken away.

An ambulance was called and a Limerick solicitor also came to the scene.

John Devane, solicitor, said last night he had been instructed by Collopy to issue proceedings in this matter against the gardaí.