Hurley attack left man fighting for life

A YOUNG woman hit a man in the head with a hurley so hard that he developed a clot and was left fighting for his life.

Aine Doohan was just 17 when she attacked Donal Ferry outside a takeaway in Bunbeg, Co Donegal.

Mr Ferry had been involved in a fracas involving Doohan’s then boyfriend outside Sgt Pepper’s chip shop on May 9, 2009.

However, the night ended in horrific circumstances when Doohan reached over a wall for a hurley and struck Mr Ferry on the side of the head.

CCTV footage produced at Letterkenny Circuit Court showed the brutal moment when Doohan hit her victim on the head with the pointed part of the hurley.

He was taken to Alnagelvin Hospital in Derry before being transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

He said he remembers nothing after being hit on the head and then awakening in hospital.

Doohan, of Meenamillar, Derrybeg pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Ferry, with whom she had been friendly. She told the court she was taking drink and drugs and didn’t know why she had attacked her victim.

“I cannot explain what happened and he didn’t deserve it. I accept all responsibility for it. I actually told him how sorry I was and he told me he forgave me.”

Judge O’Hagan remanded Doohan in custody until November 4 next when she will be sentenced with her co-accused.