Police search for hunters after footballer shot during match in rural Ireland

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Police are looking for a group of hunters after a footballer was shot during a match in rural Ireland.

The victim was playing under the floodlights at a sports venue in Rear Cross, County Tipperary when he was shot in the arm at 9pm on Saturday.

Gardaí and emergency services responded to the shooting treating the victim at the scene before taking him by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick.

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, according to police.

Rearcross Football Club said they were shocked by the shooting that happened in their Junior B team fixture against Ballymackey FC “under the lights”.

In a statement, they said the unnamed player was released from hospital early on Sunday morning.

A Gardaí spokesman said: “The scene is preserved for forensic and technical examination and investigating Gardaí are appealing for witnesses.

“They are particularly appealing to individuals who may have been hunting in the area at the time to come forward.”

Seamie Morris, a local councillor for Nenagh, reacting to the shooting, posted on X: “My God. Rear Cross was one of my favourite places to play soccer and then enjoy the Appres Soccer in Kennedys [pub].”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Nenagh Garda Station 067-50450 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.