Stab victim saw blood gushing from his ribs in Louth nightclub attack

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A man was left with a 10cm deep wound in his ribs after being stabbed in a Drogheda nightclub, the circuit court has been told.

His assailant Damien O’Rourke (30) was present for a sentence hearing which was ultimately adjourned.

The defendant, of Boice Court, Drogheda, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing harm at Fusion nightclub, George’s Street, on September 23, 2023.

He was identified from CCTV footage, while the investigating Garda said there was ‘no reason’ for the incident and no connection between the two men.

Gda Ryan Smith testified that the victim had been drinking before going to Fusion with friends, where there was a row of a relatively minor nature until he realised he had been stabbed. A wound to his right ribs was gushing blood.

He told a friend, and was escorted by bouncers before being taken by ambulance to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

It was discovered that a 10cm deep knife wound had “knicked” his liver.

Gda Smith continued that the man didn’t know who did it. Neither did he provide a Victim Impact Statement.

The officer said that he identified Damien O'Rourke from CCTV. He could be seen pulling something from his waistband or pocket.

There was no reason for what happened, and no connection between the parties.

Gda Smith said he believed one of the defendant's friends was involved in an altercation. The initial row didn't involve him.

When spoken to by Gardaí on March 14, 2024, Mr O’Rourke gave a mostly “no comment” interview.

At the time he was on bail for another matter before the circuit court for sentencing.

Defence counsel admitted that a probation report was “not helpful”.

What occurred was not premeditated. His client had interloped “in the midst of drug difficulties”.

Judge Dara Hayes adjourned all matters to January 13 for finalisation, remanding the defendant on the same bail terms.