Politicians have demanded a special transport policing unit after this young man suffered a brutal homophobic attack on a Dublin bus.
Both Sinn Fein and Fianna Fail have called for better policing of public transport after the shocking attack on Mark Sheehan in south Dublin early on Sunday morning.
Mr Sheehan, 26, suffered a suspected broken nose in the attack which happened when he and pals were getting a bus home in the Templeogue area of south Dublin.
READ MORE: Arrests made on Dublin's O’Connell Street following ‘nun’ altercation
Mr Sheehan revealed on Tuesday that he was subjected to vile homophobic abuse before the headbutt attack which left him badly traumatised – and with these shocking injuries.
Mr Sheehan said he and pals had been out at the George Pub in central Dublin and were on their way home on the number 15 bus at around 4am when his ordeal began after a group of young men sat behind him.
He said: “A group of young men sat behind me and proceeded to mock and jeer at my friends and I for the duration of the journey out of town.”
He tried to ignore the abuse – but it became even more aggressive, he revealed.
He said: “I used my earphones to drown them out, and when taking them off to place back in the case I heard even more insults - 'Queer' 'emo freak' 'faggot' to name a few.”
Mr Sheehan said he then challenged the thugs – only to be attacked. He said: “I turned around and said to act their age. This prompted one of the young men…to kick the earphones from my hand and across the bus.
“I immediately tried finding them as we were at our stop, and was being laughed at by what felt like the whole bus while crawling to find them.”
Mr Sheehan said he asked the teen why he had attacked him - and was then targeted by another thug.
He said: “I was asking why he kicked them from my hand. This resulted in another person…to start threatening me.
“At this point I was leaving the upper floor and the person who had kicked me ran up and headbutted me. I looked down and saw blood covering my shoes.
“I am completely shook up by this. I spent the following six hours in the hospital. I don’t understand why they singled us out and antagonized us so much.
“I have lost my property and potentially have a broken nose. I am to go for a scan after the swelling subsides.”
A Garda spokesman confirmed an investigation was under way into the incident.
He said: “Gardai are investigating all the circumstances of an assault on a man in his 20s that occurred on the Firhouse Road at approximately 4am on Sunday, 14th August 2022.
“The injured party was taken to Tallaght University Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. No arrests have been made at this time.
“Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses or for anyone with any information in relation to this assault to contact Tallaght Garda Station on 01 666 6000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
But Sinn Fein justice spokesman Martin Kenny said the attack highlighted the need for a transport policing system.
He said: “The fact that we once again woke up this morning to learn of yet another cowardly homophobic attack in our capital city is of deep concern, and will once again cause great distress and worry among our LGBTQ community who increasingly feel that their safety is under threat.
“Everyone has a right to feel safe on our streets, in their homes, and going about their daily business. I wish to extend my solidarity with the victim of this cowardly act of violence. I wish him a speedy recovery and hope that there is sufficient CCTV footage to bring the perpetrator to justice.
“The fact that this attack happened on a Dublin Bus once again underlines the need to establish a transport policing system.”
And local Fianna Fail TD John Lahart also called for a Garda transport unit.
He said: “I strongly condemn the actions of the small minority who subject others to abuse or attack resulting from their own prejudice. In recent months we have seen vicious crimes take place. This cannot and will not be tolerated.
“An inclusive Ireland is one where crimes motivated by prejudice, hate or bigotry are not tolerated and work is ongoing as a priority to legislate against hate crime and hate speech, to ensure that Ireland is fair, safe and inclusive for all.
“Unfortunately, such incidents have become far too commonplace, particularly on our public transport services. The safety and security of passengers and staff must be paramount.
“It is in the public good in every sense that public transport is used, embraced and an attractive option for the travelling public. It needs to be affordable, efficient but also safe.
“My colleagues and I in Fianna Fáil will continue to campaign for the introduction of a dedicated Garda transport unit to help protect people using public transport.”
READ NEXT
- The worst 'energy draining' home appliances with one costing €16 every day
- Met Eireann give September heatwave update as Ireland long-range weather forecast will surprise some
- Mum who took kids for a €1.20 breakfast deal blasts experience as 'embarrassing'
- Pop Idol star Darius Campbell Danesh dead aged 41 as Colourblind singer's body found in apartment
- Man arrested on suspicion of murder after woman's body discovered in Kerry as victim named locally as Miriam Burns
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
