The GAA player shot and beaten in Huddersfield in an horrific random attack is expected to be discharged from hospital this week. Ferghal Cross, 22, from Enniskillen in County Fermanagh was walking alone through the town centre in the early hours of Saturday April 28th when he was viciously assaulted.
Mr Cross, a design student at Huddersfield University had been returning from a night out with friends when he was set upon less than a mile from home.
A friend close to Mr Cross said the student was shot with what he believed to be an air rifle before being beaten about the head. He was rushed to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary before being transferred to Leeds General Infirmary, from where he is expected to be released this week.
Ollie Walsh from the Brothers Pearse GAA club said the player's condition has improved and he is confident Ferghal will make a full recovery.
“He is doing better. He is up and about. He has had great support, lots of visits from friends and family over from Ireland. We hope that he makes a full recovery and will be in a position to line-out for Brothers Pearse again and return to his studies.
Mr Walsh added: “It’s great news, we are very happy for him, Ferghal is a nice fella, well liked.”
The Monday following the attack, Kirklees Police in Huddersfield arrested two men aged 16 and 31 in connection with the incident. Both men have been bailed pending further enquiries.
The attack was the second major incident to rock Britain's GAA community following the death of Kilburn Gael's hurler Cathal Forde from suspected Sudden Adult Death syndrome.
