No Garda inquiry into alleged assault on player

NO Garda investigation is to be carried out over an alleged assault on a Bruff RFC under 15 rugby player after an adult who travelled with the opposing Shannon side ran onto the field.

A major probe has been launched by the Munster branch of the IRFU and three senior officers were appointed at a special meeting on Tuesday night to deal with the situation as a matter of urgency.

The Department of Children may also have to be brought into the incident, depending on the outcome of the IRFU investigation, it also emerged yesterday.

Well-placed sources told the Irish Examiner that the father of the boy, who was the victim of the alleged assault, has decided not to pursue an initial report he made to gardaí in Bruff shortly after the alleged incident on Sunday last.

Supt Tom Lundon of Bruff said yesterday: “No complaint has been made and we cannot pursue an investigation without a complaint.”

While he would not comment further, it is understood that the boy’s father contacted Bruff Garda Station on Monday and said he did not wish a Garda investigation to be carried out as it was being dealt with by the rugby authorities.

A senior Shannon figure is at the centre of the allegations and it is claimed he ran onto the field during a Bruff Vs Shannon under-15 game at the Bruff grounds in Kilballyowen and assaulted a Bruff player aged 14.

As well as the gardaí, the HSE and the rugby child welfare personnel were alerted to the incident in accordance with set guidelines.

The president of the IRFU Munster branch Declan Madden said yesterday: “The Munster branch is dealing with the matter in accordance with all set procedures.

“We appointed a sub committee made up of three senior people to investigate this. We have received the referees report and some reports from the clubs.”

Mr Madden said they were being advised by the branch’s Cork-based solicitors and the Dublin law firm which advises the IRFU.

It was hoped, he said, they would be able to have the matter dealt within about two weeks.

Depending on the findings of the investigation, HSE sources said the Department of Children may have be brought in and consulted given that the allegation centres on an alleged assault on a child by an adult.

While the investigation is being handled by the Munster branch, another source said IRFU headquarters are keeping in close contact with the branch given the nature of the case and its broader ramifications for the image of the game.