Sunday, April 28, 2024

Dublin homeless centre volunteer friar rushed to hospital after assault while handing out breakfast

A HOMELESS centre volunteer was rushed to hospital after being injured in an assault while handing out breakfast.

A man in his 30s was arrested after the incident at the Capuchin Day Centre on Dublin's Bow Street.

Father Ademir Marques, who is in his 50s, was rushed to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital following the incident.

His injuries were "superficial" and he has returned to his duties since Friday, the Capuchins confirmed.

Gardai are continuing to investigate the incident, which took place in Dublin 7 at around 10.40am on Thursday morning.

Gardaí said: "Gardaí are investigating an assault that occurred at a premises on Bow Street, Dublin 7 at approximately 10.40am this morning, Thursday April 25 2024.

"A male in his 50s was conveyed to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injury.

"A male in his 30s was arrested at the scene under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 and detained at a Garda station in the DMR North Central region.

"He has since been charged in relation to this incident and appeared before the CCJ District Court (Court No. 2) on 25th April 2024. Investigations are ongoing."

Father Marques suffered an injury to his head, with the Capuchins telling RTE News in a statement: "We can confirm that an incident did occur this morning that was effectively managed by our team on site. Emergency services were contacted for follow-up support."

Chief Executive of the Capuchin Day Centre Brian Friel said: "Thankfully, the prompt intervention of our team meant that Fr Ademir sustained only a superficial injury and will be back to his ministry again tomorrow as usual."