GAA player says being a garda made him target for assault

A 34-year-old inter-county footballer was assaulted during a GAA match because he is a member of An Garda Síochána, a court has heard.

Garda James Masters told the High Court that in August 2010, he had been playing with his local team, Nemo Rangers, when he was assaulted by a member of the opposite team, Valley Rovers. Garda Masters, who is based in Bandon, Co Cork, said the match had been uneventful until a scuffle developed towards the final whistle. He had started to walk back to his full-forward position when he heard a noise from behind.

Bruce Antoniotti SC, counsel for Garda Masters, said his client had been turning to see what was happening when he suddenly received a ferocious punch in his face. He had been trying to get up when his assailant kicked him in the jaw while he was still lying on the ground.