A GoFundMe page has been launched to buy a pint for Maitiu Mág Tighearnán, the man named as the North Belfast stabbing hero who intervened with a hurling stick during the horror attack
A fundraiser has been launched to buy the knife attack hero in North Belfast a pint. The GoFundMe campaign has been set up to purchase a drink for Maitiu Mág Tighearnán, who has been identified as the man who rushed to help during the savage knife attack by striking the suspect with a hurley several times.
The fundraiser, which has been established by Niall Donnan, has already raised over £1,600 and states: “Maitie Mag Toghearnan has revealed himself as the man who confronted the attacker in Belfast last night, reports Belfast Live.
“Faced with unimaginable violence, he chose courage over fear and grabbed a hurley stick to defend his fellow Irish man. I have set up this GoFundMe so the people of our land can show our support to Matt for his incredible bravery and courage.”
“100% of donations will be sent to Matt directly. Let’s buy him a pint!”
A man was left in a serious condition following a stabbing incident on Kinnaird Avenue on Monday, June 9, and a Sudanese man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
The ‘barbaric’ attack has sparked widespread fury and been denounced by politicians and community leaders across NI.
There has also been an appeal to acknowledge the “extraordinary courage” of people who stepped in during a stabbing attack in north Belfast. Video footage of Monday night’s incident reveals individuals, including one armed with a hurling stick, intervening to stop a man attacking a victim who was lying helpless on the street.
North Belfast MP John Finucane expressed his belief that their actions may have saved the life of the victim, a man in his 40s, during the incident in the Kinnaird Avenue area. Mr Finucane voiced his gratitude towards those who stepped in.
“They showed extraordinary courage and bravery to step in, to put themselves in danger to save, I think possibly, a man’s life because of their selfless acts, and I want, on behalf of everybody I’m sure, to thank them for that,” he told the Press Association at the scene on Tuesday morning.
Mr Finucane stated that his thoughts are primarily with the victim, as well as his family and friends, but also with residents who witnessed the incident, police who arrived at a horrific scene, and first responders from the Ambulance Service.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn praised the members of the public who intervened, stating they “showed the very best of humanity”.
Responding to an urgent oral question tabled by DUP leader Gavin Robinson in the House of Commons, Mr Benn said the “thoughts of the whole House will be with” the victim and his loved ones.
He also addressed the Commons: “Amidst the horror of what happened, we also saw something extraordinary.
“When confronted with scenes of terrifying violence, members of the public did not walk on by.
“Instead, a number of them stepped forward and, at immense risk to their own safety, they intervened to pull the assailant away and protect the victim until the police arrived.
“To those individuals, I would like to say this – you showed the very best of humanity and you have the profound gratitude of this entire House.”
To donate to the fundraiser, click here.