Irish Republican News · August 8, 2011

Schoolboy fights for life after attack

A 17-year-old schoolboy is critically ill in hospital after being beaten in a sectarian attack in Antrim.

The Catholic teenager, named locally as Jordan Duffy, was walking with friends early yesterday when a three-strong gang confronted them in the Station Road area of the town on Friday, not far from the PSNI station.

It is understood the gang asked the three friends where they were coming from and when they named a pub in nationalist Magherafelt, they were chased.

Two of the teenage friends escaped but the gang caught Jordan and attacked him, leaving him with serious head injuries and several fractures.

He was taken to Antrim Area Hospital and later transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where his condition was described as critical. It is understood he has regained consciousness but has struggled to communicate with his family.

A talented sportsman, he had been due to play football for St Comgall’s Gaelic club on Saturday.

Sinn Fein councillor Noel Maguire said the latest “brutal sectarian attack” had left an “innocent young Catholic seriously ill in hospital”. He appealed for calm and urged people not to retaliate.

Urgent Appeal

Despite increasing support for Irish freedom and unity, we need your help to overcome British and unionist intransigence. We can end the denial of our rights in relation to Brexit, the Irish language, a border poll and legacy issues, with your support.

Please support IRN now to help us continue reporting and campaigning for our national rights. Even one pound a month can make a big difference for us.

Your contribution can be made with a credit or debit card by clicking below. A continuing monthly donation of £2 or more will give you full access to this site. Thank you. Go raibh míle maith agat.