Father of attacked boy overwhelmed by flood of gifts and support from public

The father of a boy with autism who was attacked by a group of teenagers has said his family has been overwhelmed with the outpouring of support from the public.

Liam Davin from Cork thanked people from across the country who sent Easter eggs and football cards to the family’s local shop after it emerged a group fed his son twigs, forced him to expose himself, and uploaded footage of the attack on social media.

Store owner and local councillor John Collins had previously revealed the boy was a regular visitor to his Carrigaline shop, where he would purchase Match Attax cards.

Topps, the manufacturers of the cards, have contacted the Davin family to offer them a trip to Britain.

Last week, the Cork City Hospitals Children’s Club said they would bring Mr Davin’s son with them on their annual Disneyland Paris trip.

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Mr Davin said he had no idea his son’s story would have such a national impact.

“My son was away when it came to light, so I saw an opportunity to attract attention to the plight of people with special needs without him having to hear about it. When I did it I had no idea it would go national.”

He said the family have been caught by surprise. “The local shop became a focal point for people’s outpouring of sympathy. All over the country, day after day, they took in deliveries of Easter eggs and Match Attax packs for my son. It’s been absolutely fantastic.”

President Michael D Higgins contacted Mr Davin to offer his support and invited the family to meet him in Áras an Uachtaráin, while Children’s Minister James Reilly also called.

“He just wanted to speak to me without any media fuss, as one father speaking to another,” Mr Davin said of his conversation with Dr Reilly.

Mr Davin noted that while the story painted young people in a poor light, the vast majority of teenagers were “good kids with lots of energy”.

“I just want to say a big thank from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of myself and my family. We are so grateful for your kindness and support.”

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