A second person has been charged in connection with an incident that left Down GAA player Caolan Mooney in hospital.
The 26-year-old was hospitalised in the early hours of Monday morning after an alleged assault in the Merchant’s Quay area of Newry.
His brother Patrick, 32, was also injured.
In a statement on Wednesday morning, police said: ” Detectives investigating an assault on two men, aged 26 and 32, in the Merchant’s Quay area of Newry in the early hours of Monday morning, 30 December, have charged a second man.
“The 35 year old man has been charged with affray, grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He is due to appear at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 22 January. As is normal procedure all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.”
Caolan shared a photo on his Twitter from his bed at the Royal Victoria Hospital on Tuesday night where he is in a stable condition.
He said: “Thanks everyone for their messages, scan in the morning to see if my brain has stopped bleeding.”
Lee Daniel McKay appeared in court on Tuesday in connection with the alleged incident involving Caolan’s brother Patrick.
He was charged with affray and attempted grievous bodily harm with intent
He was granted bail and is to appear in court later in January.
Co Down manager Paddy Tally told the BBC on Tuesday: “Given the seriousness of the situation, we ask people to refrain from speculation or rumour about the incident.
“Caolan is a very important player and important leader in our team. He is vice-captain, he had an excellent year this year and we’re looking forward to him being back playing in Down colours as soon as possible.
“We hope and pray that he makes a full recovery and our thoughts are with his fiancée and his entire family at this time.
“Their welfare and their right to privacy should be fully respected.”
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