THE captain of Tyrone's All-Ireland winning under-17 football team is recovering at home after being the victim of an alleged assault captured on video.
Cormac Munroe could be seen dropping to the ground after an apparent punch by a bouncer on the footage recorded near the Hatfield Bar on Belfast's Ormeau Road on Monday night.
It is understood the 17-year-old from Carrickmore, who is working as an apprentice, had been in Belfast on a night out with friends.
Cormac, who led Tyrone to victory in the All-Ireland under-17 football championship final in Croke Park last month, was taken to hospital for treatment but has since been discharged.
As well as being a rising star on the football field, he has achieved All-Ireland and world championship success on the handball court and is a hurler for his club.
A nephew of former Tyrone player and All-Ireland winning manager Raymond Munroe, he is now recovering at home with his parents Gerard and Eithne who have been inundated with messages of support.
Sinn Féin MP Barry McElduff, who lives close to family, said they are highly respected in the area.
Asked about Cormac, he said: "Like the community and wider GAA family, we have come to admire Cormac and his immense achievements, gaining national and international honours in Gaelic football and handball.
"He is in everyone's thoughts and prayers and we're hoping he makes a full and speedy recovery."
Mr McElduff said the family are also anxious that the incident raises awareness about the dangers of 'one-punch' assaults.
"The family are fearful it could happen to other young people. They are anxious the message gets out that one punch can kill," he said.
"They are concentrating on Cormac's health and recovery, but are grateful for all the messages and support they have received."
St Joseph's handball club have also sent support to the young sports star.
In a Facebook post, it said: "Best wishes to Cormac Munroe, multi-talented Carrickmore handballer and footballer in his recovery after a recent incident, from his friends in St Joseph's".
The PSNI have confirmed they received a report of an assault outside licensed premises on the Ormeau Road.
"A teenage male was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment. Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact police," it said.
A spokesman for the Hatfield Bar said on Tuesday: "We are aware of an incident which took place on the Ormeau Road last night between a member of public and an employee of an independent security firm.
"This individual was not present in our premises at any time. We are unable to comment any further at this stage."
