Monday marked the second anniversary of the horrific attack on Irishwoman Natasha McShane, 25. The young Newry, County Down woman was on holiday in Chicago when she was attacked by a bat wielding mugger.
Speaking to the Newry Times, SDLP Councillor Geraldine Donnelly expressed her solidarity with the McShane family, adding that the pointless and brutal attack had robbed her of the huge potential that lay before her.
"Thankfully those responsible for inflicting the horrific injuries on her have been apprehended, sentenced and are now in prison. And while that is some consolation to the family, Natasha may have to entire the result of their actions for the rest of her life. Natasha and her family are constantly in my thoughts and I pray that her condition may improve as time goes on."
SDLP MLA Dominic Bradly echoed Councillor Donnelly's words. "As we approach brain injury week the dreadful attack on Natasha illustrates the effect violence to the individual has on a persons life. My thoughts are with Natasha and her family at this time and I can only hope and pray that the love and care of her family and the prayers of the community will help to bring a positive change to her condition."
Speaking to the Newry Times, Colman Burns of Sinn Fein said: "Having known and worked with Natasha in the course of her studies as a student, I find it deeply upsetting that this talented young girl has been prevented from reaching her goals due to this one moment of callous madness. It is satisfying that their persons involved are now locked up but it does nothing to ease the burden of the family who has to live with the consequences on a daily basis. Our thoughts are with Natasha and her family who have had to adjust their lives to cope with the terrible circumstances of this horrid attack."
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.89west | Apr 26, 2012, 11:07 AM EDT
ms finucane, it easy for you to talk, all you have to do is fly away on your broom.
IrelandNorth | Apr 26, 2012, 07:53 AM EDT
Larry777! Your preface your bloggs with the Hebrew for peace, and then launch into a cheap correlation between this tragedy and a general manifestation of punishment beatings by many groups, predictable parrotted by Bythebay. But then, you are only 111 away from the Beast, are you not? Social injustice causes violence, and victimises like others. As Bill Cosby said on Oprah: "Hurt people - hurt other people! Damage is contagious. Violence is the language of the unheard. Instead of engaging in cheap commentary, try this Buddhist meditation: "May all beings live in safety. May they have mental happiness (peace and joy). May they have physical happiness (health and freedom from pain. May the live with ease!"
mfinucane | Apr 26, 2012, 03:04 AM EDT
89wsst what is wrong with you? women are not allowed to roam. we choose to go out.a young white girl out at night in chicago is NOT unusual. lots of young women & older women go out with out asking.i know i live in chicago. and you must live alone b/c few women would put up w/that.
Searlit | Apr 25, 2012, 02:33 PM EDT
I send prayers for Natasha's full recovery.
89west | Apr 25, 2012, 01:54 PM EDT
A young white girl out and about in Chitown at night is an endangered species. Not for nothing, but if you love your womenfolk and you are letting them roam the streets of urban America, alone and at night, advised them that they are in, "indian territory" and there is no Fort Apache to seek refuge in.
Bythebay | Apr 25, 2012, 10:38 AM EDT
The Natasha McShane story is two years old. Wake up Irish Central.
Bythebay | Apr 25, 2012, 10:37 AM EDT
Colman Burns and Sinn Fein IRA being two-faced again. They think nothing of doing alot worse to their victims,
fmurray515 | Apr 25, 2012, 10:17 AM EDT
As usual, Irishcentral doing a great job following up on a story. And again, who is your editor?! I want their job!
Larry777 | Apr 25, 2012, 10:11 AM EDT
Shalom, I don't believe it! Colman Burns of Sinn Fein is upset about someone hitting a victim with a bat! This is common practice for Sinn Fein/IRA for years. They perfected it! Do they think we all have Alzheimer disease? Our memories haven't GONE AWAY, Mr Burn!
tundish45 | Apr 25, 2012, 09:52 AM EDT
Actually the batter and his accomplice have not yet been tried. They are in custody, at least. And they have a court date on Thursday, April 26.