A young Lifford man left fighting for his life after a brutal attack in his home is on the road to a remarkable recovery.
Charles Dooher was critically injured after being attacked by five masked men with bats at his home in Lifford in January.
The 26-year-old was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where his family kept a ’round-the-clock vigil praying for his recovery.
He has numerous operations including having a metal plate fixed inside his head following the horrendous attack at Coneyburrow Road on January 20th last.
An investigation into the attack was upgraded to an attempted murder investigation such was the extent of Charles’ injuries.
Two men were arrested in January by the PSNI in Derry as part of the investigation but were later released on bail.
But all the time Charles clung on and fought for his life.
This week family and friends were left delighted when the popular young man returned to his local Naomh Padraig GAA club in Lifford to catch up with his teammates again and inspire them to their first win of the season, over Na Rossa.
A club spokesperson said they were delighted to see Charles back and hoped it wouldn’t be long before he donned his club jersey once again.
Charles was accompanied to the game with his loyal girlfriend Charlotte Gallen who has been with him every step of the way of his recovery alongside Charles’ family.
A club spokesperson said “The sun was shining in Lifford tonight, the team had a magnificent victory, but more importantly it was fantastic to see this man accompanied by charlotte standing watching from the sidelines.
“Charles had the fight of his life this past number of months and has come through one hell of a battle and still has a long long way to go but one step at a time and it’ll be no time till he’s back in the black and amber himself.
“One thing is for sure if having him on the sidelines inspires the team to more victories like tonight we’ll be chauffeuring him to every game from now on.”
Meanwhile, Charles’ family continue to search for justice and to find the men who almost cost him his life.
They recently called on the public on both sides of the border for any information to be passed to Lifford Garda Station, the PSNI at Maydown, or if they prefer in the first instance, to Madden & Finucane Solicitors in Derry or Belfast.
It is believed dissident republicans from Derry are among those involved in the attack, a fact reported by Donegal Daily back in February. Two men were arrested in January by the PSNI in Derry and were later released on bail.
The family have reiterated their call to the public on both sides of the border for any information to be passed to Lifford Garda Station, the PSNI at Maydown, or if they prefer in the first instance, to Madden & Finucane Solicitors in Derry or Belfast on 048 9023 8007.
“They also would like to thank the very many persons on both sides of the border who have provided them with tremendous support and assistance over the last three months.”
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