Gardaí probe attack claims

GARDAÍ are investigating claims that a priest who is a shareholder in a county Wexford pub was punched in the face as he tried to calm a customer who had been removed from the premises for unruly behaviour.

Fr James Fitzpatrick, 30, is a curate in the parish of Ferns with direct responsibility for the Ballyduff area. He is also a shareholder and senior manager at the Courtyard pub in the village.

Gardaí are investigating a claim that Fr Fitzpatrick was assaulted outside the pub a fortnight ago by a man who had been verbally abusive towards staff inside just moments earlier.