Limerickman shot in New York over row about smoking in bowling alley
A LIMERICK man is recovering in a New York hospital after being shot by a security guard in a dispute over smoking in a bowling alley.
Gerard Hourigan, 29, from Upper Grange, Bruff was shot in the stomach in the early hours of Saturday after he and his companion, Justin Donaghy (29), from Navan, were brought out of the AMF 34th Avenue Lanes in Queens and a fight ensued with the security guard.
Mr Hourigan's parents Tony and Eileen have flown to the US to be at their son's bedside.
The bowling alley security guard, Michael Iavecchio (54), is a retired New York corrections officer. He has since been charged with two counts of second-degree assault after the altercation in the Woodside area of the New York borough.
The violent confrontation unfolded after Mr Iavecchio, who was armed, asked the men to leave the bowling alley because they were smoking cigarettes in a vestibule.
Both victims were treated at the nearby Elmhurst Hospital for their injuries. Mr Iavecchio was armed with a .380 calibre pistol, which he was licensed to carry. The two Irishmen are being charged with menacing.
Mr Hourigan's brother Ray flew to New York on Sunday with his parents, Tony and Eileen. "Gerard works here as an electrician and is married to Julie. He is out here since February 2003. He is in intensive care at the moment, but he is receiving good care," he said.
Gerard went to school in Bruff and played underage hurling and football for Bruff and soccer with Holycross and Janesboro in Limerick.
Limerick county councillor Eddie Wade said the thoughts of the people of the Grange area are with the Hourigan family.
"I was very saddened to hear the news. My own nephew lives out there and would know Gerard, and I met him myself when I visited there. The Hourigans are a very hard working and honourable family. I wish them well. We are all thinking of them at this time," said Cllr Wade.
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Tuesday 22 May 2012
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