Lahart: More Garda needed after ‘horrific’ attack on Olympian Woolley

Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South-West, John Lahart is demanding a greater garda presence in the city centre following a “horrific” attack on Team Ireland Olympian Jack Woolley in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Woolley, who took part in the recent Olympic games in Tokyo, sustained serious facial wounds after he was randomly attacked as he crossed a street in the city.

Deputy Lahart commented: “This horrific and unprovoked attack on Jack Woolley is both sickening and deeply concerning.

“It’s hard to believe that barely two weeks ago we were all wishing Jack well as he was Ireland’s first ever competitor in taekwondo at an Olympic games, and now this terrible attack has happened.

“I am calling on senior garda figures to take a serious look at the current levels of garda personnel available to police our streets in the wake of this attack.

“From speaking to constituents who have spent time in the city centre recently, it is clear that many do not feel safe and some have even decided not to venture in at all, where possible.”

The Dublin South-West TD added: “I urge anyone with any information relating to the attack on Mr Woolley to make contact with their local garda station immediately.”

Gardai have stated that they are investigating the incident which occurred on Grattan Bridge in the city centre at approximately 12:40am Saturday morning.