Victim of racist attack in Cork ‘really grateful’ as locals unite to promote inclusion and solidarity

Chris Wolny cycled from the city to support the community against racism event in Carrigaline. Picture: Noel Sweeney

A father of two subjected to a racist attack in a Cork town has said he has been heartened by the community response following his ordeal, which left him with a dozen stitches in an eye wound.

A community event to promote inclusion and solidarity took place in Carrigaline following a racist attack in the town last month.

Syed Haque, a South African who works for a Cork logistics company, was walking with family and friends when he was repeatedly punched by a teenager and told to “go back to your own country”.

Mr Haque was taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital, where he received 12 stitches for a deep cut above his right eye. A teenage boy was arrested and later released without charge, pending a referral to the Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau.

Liz Scott, who lives in Carrigaline, organised the community gathering in Carrigaline Park to show that the town was a welcoming place and stand in solidarity with Mr Haque against racism.

Mr Haque said his leg is still very painful and he was warned by his doctor that he may experience black spots in his vision in the next three months. He said he has been in Cork for 24 years and never experienced anything like this before.

“I am not worried about myself, but I do worry about my children — my daughter saw me after the attack happened, but my son was with me at the time and was traumatised to see his dad with so much blood flowing on his face. I worry about what they’ll say when they go back to school, and the teacher asks them what they did during the holidays.” 

He said that the solidarity night was “a really good event, and a lot of people told me how brave I was because I spoke up".

The people in Carrigaline do not want this behaviour; it is not that kind of place — they don’t want it to happen to anyone again.

“I am really grateful to everyone who came and gave me support; it is a very big thing to me that they want to stand for me.” 

Fianna Fáil TD Seamus McGrath spoke at the event.

He said: “I was honoured to speak at the gathering and stress the importance of decency and compassion in all our communities and to push back against any hint of racism, prejudice or intolerance through actions, words and in the online world.

“There was a great community spirit at the gathering and a strong show of solidarity and humanity.” 

Fine Gael councillor Una McCarthy said: “It was a pleasure to stand with members of our community in Carrigaline in support of diversity, inclusion and respect.

“Our town is at its best when everyone who calls Carrigaline home feels welcome, valued and part of the community. It was heartening to see people come together with a clear and positive message: there is a place for everyone in our town."