GAA star attacked by fan after game full of violence

Kerry GAA chiefs last night called for an investigation after former All-Ireland winning football captain Declan O’Sullivan was struck twice by supporters of Tyrone side Derrytresk in the aftermath of yesterday’s All-Ireland club junior football semi-final in Portlaoise.

Mr O’Sullivan was lining out for Dromid Pearses, who were defeated 1-10 to 0-7. As he attempted to make his way to the dressing rooms in O’Moore Park at the final whistle, he was struck first with a handbag and then by another supporter.

Mr O’Sullivan was approached by a garda who had identified the culprit, but the Kerry star opted against pressing charges.

However, Kerry county board cultural officer Diarmuid Ó Sé, a selector with Dromid Pearses — who finished the game with 13 men — criticised the lack of protection for his club’s players by stewards at the venue.

In a game marred by violent scenes, Dromid Pearses midfielder Thomas Curran was left concussed before half-time, when he was also struck by a fan during a brawl that erupted under the main stand. “There was no security there today for our players,” Mr Ó Sé said.

“There were inadequate stewards at the ground, people were able to get onto the pitch and throw punches at our players. Declan O’Sullivan got struck by a handbag and was struck by a Derrytresk supporter as well. That was seen by a steward and the Garda have it documented.

“But it’s not good enough and I cannot understand how the GAA can allow this to happen. The GAA have video evidence available and maybe its time to use it. While Derrytresk beat us comprehensively on the day I thought that some of the scenes out there were some of the most disgraceful I have ever witnessed at a football game.

“There were too many officials along the line and not enough stewards to keep them off the pitch. It was a very dangerous situation as subs climbed over the railing from the stand and got involved just before half time.

“Thomas Curran was concussed in that violent melee and did know where he was at half time in the dressing room. We had to put him in the shower and he could not play the second half.

“We have Denis Shine O’Sullivan with a black eye, hardly able to see out through it and we had a sub who got a kick in his privates as he left the field. It was crazy stuff and the GAA will have to investigate these violent scenes.”