6 days ago
Sister of Wexford councillor knocked unconscious while fiancé stomped by gang in ‘unprovoked attack'
Lyndsey Forde, the sister of Cllr Tom Forde, had been enjoying a night out with her partner Darren at The Whistlin' Donkeys at The Breakwater Festival on Saturday night. The couple had made their way back across Wexford Bridge and were walking through the crammed streets of the town at The Bullring when their evening took a horrible turn.
Lyndsey was struck from behind by an unknown assailant and fell to the ground, hitting her head and ending up unconscious. When she came to, she saw a group of males stomping on the head of her partner Darren, causing him serious injuries.
The couple said that the attack was completely random and their assailants were unknown to them. Judging by their accents, they believe the group of males may have been from Dublin.
Gardaí were quick on the scene and the couple were put in an ambulance and brought to Wexford General Hospital for treatment. Having suffered two fractured eye sockets and a broken jaw, Darren is left facing surgery for his injuries and has been unable to eat since the attack.
While the rest of the town is celebrating a wonderful Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025, which saw 800,000 people in attendance, Lyndsey and Darren's experience has 'left a bitter taste".
"I feel it just needs to be said,' Lyndsey said in an emotional Facebook post. 'Everyone who knows me knows I love my town, my language and all things Irish. I love the Fleadh, but reading through all the posts congratulating security and everyone involved leaves me with a bitter taste in my mouth.'
The Wexford woman went on to outline the attack.
"This was a random and unprovoked attack that has left us feeling sick and angry at the state our town,' she continued. 'We can all say well done on the Fleadh but the reality is our town is falling apart behind the scenes. I doubt we will get justice for this but honestly people need to be aware of what's really going on. Wexford is not a safe town no matter how much we dress it up.
"Anyone who knows Darren knows he is the friendliest kindest person and I'm so sick this happened to him.'
Gardaí are investigating the incident and CCTV footage is reportedly being analysed.
Lyndsey's post has been shared nearly 400 times on social media and an appeal has been made for anyone with information to contact Wexford Gardaí on 0539165200 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111.
