Support group to help athlete

AN organisation which gives support services to asylum seekers in Limerick plans to meet with the Ethiopian athlete who was attacked while out running.

Lebeta Debela, 22, was knocked unconscious when running along Knockalisheen Road on Thursday.

Lebeta, who is a member of Limerick Athletic Club, won the Limerick half marathon last May.

Karen McHugh, of Doras Luimni which provides back up services to asylum seekers, said she did not want to comment on the attack until they have had an opportunity to meet with Mr Debela.

She said they hoped to meet with him today.

The athlete has been living at the refugee centre at Knockalisheen Road since April 2009. He has declined to speak to the media about the attack.

Paddy O’Connell, public relations officer of Limerick AC said Lebeta was on his way to meet with other club athletes at about 4pm Thursday last when he was set upon by two males.

As a result of the attack he was taken to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital and discharged later that night after treatment.

Gardaí are investigating the attack.