Garda Brian Hanrahan, originally from Killenaule, Co. Tipperary, and stationed in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, remains in intensive care in New Orleans today after being shot during an armed robbery.
The off-duty Garda was on a Route 66 driving trip with his father when he was shot twice, in the back and the thigh, by an assailant demanding money. His wife, Emma, has now flown to the US to be by his side.
As a show of support for Garda Hanrahan and his family, the
Irish House, along with a number of other Irish-American organisations in the Louisiana city will host a fundraiser on Saturday 31 January from 3pm to 6pm.
The informal gathering will take place at the Irish House itself and, according to the establishment's owner, Matt Murphy, money is being raised for the Hanrahans to help with their needs.
"Please join us to show how the Irish community is strong and together and will help all in times of need," Murphy wrote in an email announcing the benefit at his restaurant. "It also shows that our city cares. This is huge news in Ireland and this mugger's actions paint the city in a very bad light."
Additionally, Adrian D'Arcy, president of Irish Network New Orleans, announced his organisation is also supporting the fundraiser on Saturday, saying, "I visited with Brian and his father this morning and Brian is in surprising good spirits. The family needs help in offsetting their airfare costs, hotel costs and living expense while in New Orleans."
It's truly inspiring to see the Irish and American communities uniting in order to help Garda Hanrahan, and our thoughts are with him, his wife Emma, and the rest of the their family.
Hat-tip to NOLA.com.
