A fundraiser has been launched to buy a pint for the hero who intervened in a knife attack in Belfast. The GoFundMe campaign, set up by Niall Donnan, aims to purchase a drink for Maitiu Mág Tighearnán, who has been identified as the man who confronted the attacker, striking him repeatedly with a hurling stick.
The fundraiser has already raised nearly £600. It states: "Maitie Mag Toghearnan has revealed himself as the man who confronted the attacker in Belfast last night. Faced with unimaginable violence, he chose courage over fear and grabbed a hurley stick to defend his fellow Irish man." The campaign adds: "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!"
The Incident
A man was left in a serious condition following a stabbing incident on Kinnaird Avenue on Monday, June 9. A Sudanese man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. The attack has provoked widespread outrage and has been condemned by politicians and community leaders across Northern Ireland.
Video footage shows bystanders, including one armed with a hurling stick, intervening to stop a man attacking the victim, who was lying helpless on the ground. North Belfast MP John Finucane said he believes those who stepped in may have saved the victim's life, a man in his 40s.
Political and Community Response
Mr Finucane paid tribute to those who intervened, stating: "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." He also expressed thoughts for the victim, residents, police, and paramedics.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said the members of the public who intervened "showed the very best of humanity." Responding to an urgent question in the House of Commons, Benn remarked: "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."
Several protests were planned for Tuesday evening in response to the incident, leading some businesses to close early. Calls have also been made to formally recognise the "extraordinary courage" of those who intervened.
