GARDAI are searching for three raiders who broke into a cottage occupied by a couple in their 70s, outside Youghal, Co Cork, and attacked them with hurleys.
Mr Tom and Ms Margaret Geary, and a relative, Mr Billy Hennessy, opened the door of their cottage at Ballymacoda to the raiders, who assaulted them with the hurleys and sprayed chemicals in their faces.
Mr Geary was hit on the head and received eye injuries. The other elderly man had a chemical substance sprayed in his eyes, which temporarily blinded him. The three victims were forced into a room while their attackers ransacked the cottage. It is understood a significant amount of cash was taken but gardai declined to say how much.
The attack occurred at 3 a.m. yesterday and the victims were taken to Cork University Hospital where their injuries were treated. They were released shortly after 10 a.m. and were described as being very shaken after their ordeal.
Yesterday, gardai questioned people in the Youghal area and appealed for any witnesses to come forward. A Garda spokesman said elderly people living alone should never have cash in their homes.