RTE presenter Oliver Callan has told of his own fears following the unprovoked attack of a young gay man over the weekend.
The comedian, who was presenting The Ryan Tubridy Show yesterday morning, talked about the terrifying homophobic incident.
He said he feels Dublin is more dangerous now than ever before.
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Speaking of the young man who had to be hospitalised, the radio presenter said: “Most of the papers are leading with that appalling homophobic attack on young Evan Somers.
"So, Evan is 23 years of age and is a member of the Emerald Warriors – which is a gay rugby club in the city in Dublin – and he was attacked on what is basically one of the busiest intersections when it comes to nightlife in the whole country.
“Half-past three on a Saturday morning, where you would expect it to be heavily policed and where there are lots of people around.”
Evan ended up with a fractured eye socket, two fractured bones in his ankle, a dislocated ankle, and small cuts and bruises. He also required surgery on his ankle.
Oliver went on to describe his own experiences and those of his friends living in the city, saying: “I have countless stories about friends who are just nervous, and are going from nervous to terrified, of Dublin city centre when they’re on their own in particular.
“We know the stories, we’ve discussed them many times – and you particularly hear of it on this programme as well.
“Then there is that of women on their own in any part of the country and the comments, the stares, the menace and the sinister element in the country at the moment.
“I mean, I personally absolutely would not hold hands with my partner in public and I’m 41 years of age and have been in Dublin 20 years.
“It feels more dangerous now than any time I remember.”
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