Nenagh Gardaí continue investigation into Tipp soccer match shooting

Gardaí in Nenagh have renewed their appeal for information after a man playing in a football match was shot and wounded in the arm following an incident at a sports venue in North Tipperary on Saturday night.

Gardaí believe the shot may have been fired by wildlife hunters.

The incident happened shortly after 9pm in Rearcross during the second half of a match between Ballymackey Football Club and Rearcross Football Club.

Gardaí said the 32-year-old man had been participating in the soccer game being played under floodlights when the incident occurred.

Players and spectators reported hearing the player cry in pain before falling to the ground. They discovered to their shock that he had been shot in the arm.

The emergency services were alerted while club officials tended to the injured player and the league game was abandoned.

The injured man was treated at the scene by emergency services personnel and was then taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick for further assessment.

In a statement, Rearcross Football Club said: "All at Rearcross FC are totally shocked at the turn of events last night when our Junior B team were playing a Division 2 league game under lights and a very serious incident occurred.

"We are glad to say that our player is well and was discharged from hospital earlier this morning. We wish him a speedy recovery," said the statement.

Detective Sgt Declan O’Carroll from Nenagh Garda Station said: “It’s believed the shot may have come from someone who was out hunting in the area at the time.

“The bullet in question may have travelled a long distance and Gardaí wish to talk to anyone who was hunting in the general area around that time on Saturday night.

“Gardaí are appealing for members of the hunting community in the area or any gun owners who may have information to contact us here at Nenagh Garda Station on 067 50450”