GAA player says being a garda made him target for assault
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.
