14-year-old boy charged in connection with the assaults on the banks of the Burrin

THREE fishermen who were viciously assaulted recently on the banks of the River Burrin in Carlow town have received overwhelming support from the community.

Jackie Owens, along with brothers Jim and Michael Murphy, were set upon by a gang of youngsters and were viciously beaten while on their way to fish in the Burrin.

The three pals are well known in the town because of their presence on the river, where they spend hours every day fly-fishing, and Carlovians were deeply shocked when they heard of their dreadful ordeal.

Since the incident, the anglers have received get well wishes and support from all over Carlow town.

“I got great support from people,” Jackie told The Nationalist.

During the attack, Jackie’s bait bag, which was full of handmade flies that took years to collect, was damaged, so Jackie was left without the bait that took him a lifetime to collect. Now, his angling friends, along with his own family, have offered to help him out, while his rod and reel were also returned to him.

“I’m still not in the humour to go back fishing just yet,” he said, adding that he was still in pain from the attack.

He said that he also wanted to extend his heartfelt thanks to the two women who helped him and the Murphys as they lay on the banks of the river, as well as the gardaí and ambulance crew who arrived at the scene, including his own son Aiden Owens, who is a fireman.

“If they hadn’t have been there to help us, they would have continued to kick us,” Jackie explained.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged last Wednesday in the local district court in connection with the incident. He was charged with assault causing harm and was remanded on bail under strict conditions.

A number of other people have since been arrested and a file on them is being prepared for the director of public prosecutions. Gardaí in Carlow are continuing to investigate the assault.