Friends of attacked sports star rally round to raise funds

FRIENDS of a Co Sligo businessman who suffered severe head injuries in an unprovoked attack on a trip to Belfast are to rally around their colleague.

Paul Newton’s life hung by a thread when he was set upon outside his hotel after attending the Connacht versus Ulster rugby match on April 11.

The 43-year-old former intercounty footballer has since made good progress towards living a normal life again, and now his friends — including many from the world of sport — have launched a big fundraising drive.