Charles Dooher 'in excellent spirits' after 'last major surgical operation'

Liffordman Charles Dooher, who was savagely beaten to within an inch off his life in January, has had a protective plate fitted to his head.

The 26-year-old was brutally attacked at his home at Conneyburrow Road on January 20 in an incident being treated as an attempted murder.

Mr Dooher, a farmer, was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital after being left for dead by a masked and armed gang who stormed into his home.

A plate has been fitted to his head by medics at the Royal Victoria and the Naomh Padraig, Lifford footballer is said to be “in excellent spirits”.

“This is hopefully Charles’ last major surgical operation,” a statement issued via the family’s solicitors, Madden & Finucane, said. 

“The Dooher family have been advised by medical consultants that the protective plate has now been successfully fitted to Charles’s head, and the operation appears to have completed without complication. Charles is currently sitting up in his hospital bed, in excellent spirits and chatting to his family.

“The Dooher family now look forward to Charles finally coming home to Donegal.”

Mr Dooher underwent emergency surgery and spent weeks in intensive care.

His father, Charles Dooher senior, who is in his 60s, also received injuries in the attack and received treatment in Letterkenny University Hospital. Several garda units, including the Armed Response Unit, attended the scene of the attack, which occurred on the N15 road.

The garda investigation into the incident was upgraded from aggravated burglary to attempted murder.

A major cross-border manhunt was launched as authorities on both sides of the border sought information on the gang. 

Two men were arrested by detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Serious Crime Branch. The two men, lifted in the Derry area, were held in police custody, but later “bailed pending further enquiries”. They were taken in and questioned over charges of attempted murder, aggravated burglary and false imprisonment.

Mr Dooher was left with a shattered skull and a traumatic brain injury, but made what close friends and family have called a “miracle recovery”.

Madden & Finucane added: “The family have reiterated their call to the public on both sides of the border for any information to be passed to An Garda Síochána at Lifford Garda Station, the PSNI at Maydown, or if they prefer in the first instance, to Madden & Finucane Solicitors in Derry or Belfast on 028 9023 8007. 

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“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.”