Dublin Gaelic footballer Jonny Cooper (24) was so traumatised after being repeatedly stabbed that he could not fully describe the circumstances of the attack, Garda sources said. The player was attacked in the north inner city early on Saturday.
While an investigation is still at a very early stage, CCTV footage from the area where Mr Cooper was found injured at about 5.30am shows him sitting on the steps at the front of a Georgian house on Dorset Street. A man is seen walking up the steps behind him and apparently leaning in to slash or stab Mr Cooper a number of times in the face and body.
The victim was apparently resting as he was making his way home from a social event after his club team Na Fianna was knocked out of the Dublin championships on Friday.
Absolutely Humbled by the msgs & calls over last few hours! Thank you all! I have an amazing group of friends and family.
— Jonny Cooper (@jcoops) September 20, 2014The player from Glasnevin had spent Friday night and the early hours of Saturday in the city centre. It was unclear if the incident was a robbery and if Mr Cooper was followed or targeted randomly.
The attacker fled the scene, and it was only when a taxi driver saw Mr Cooper injured on the ground that the alarm was raised. The emergency services were alerted and Mr Cooper, who was captain of the Dublin U-21 team that won the All-Ireland four years ago, was taken to hospital. He had wounds to his upper body and face but has since been discharged.
He is expected to make a full statement to gardaí this week.
