Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Waterford teenager says he 'can’t describe' pain of chemical attack but adds his sight is returning

Tega Agberhiere has thanked people for their kind messages.

ONE OF THE teenagers injured in an apparent acid attack in Waterford has said he didn’t think he would ever be able to see again. 

Tega Agberhiere (16) was one of three teenage boys attacked with a chemical last Thursday and the promising footballer has now said his sight is returning. 

(Click here if video doesn’t play)

Speaking to Damien Tiernan of WLR FM, the youngster said he wished to thank everyone who’s been messaging him with support. 

“I’m just grateful for everyone who’s texted and been messaging me and saying nice things, it’s helping me get through everything. Every day I’m getting better with all the messages I’m getting. I’m just grateful for them, I want to say thanks.”

Asked about his pain levels and his sight, Tega said they are improving all the time and that doctors have said his sight should return to normal.

I’m getting better every day, feeling less pain and that to be honest. I can see from both eyes, it’s just that it’s only a little bit swollen so it’s hard to open them.

“I should be able to see, my vision will be able to get to how it was before soon.”

Speaking about the pain he felt after the attack, he said it was unimaginable.

“I can’t describe it. When I got here I thought I’d never be able to see again. I 100% thought I’d never be able to see another thing in my life.”

Tega’s mother Christy also said she wanted to thank the doctors and nurses who have helped her son and the community who’ve been supporting them.

Tega has had trials with Crystal Palace and Tottenham, his mother said, and has played for Ireland for the under 15s and under 16s national football teams. 

He  is due to do his Leaving Cert in June.

On Saturday, four male youths aged in their late teens were arrested and released without charge in relation to the incident. A file will be prepared for the Director for Public Prosecutions, gardaí said on Tuesday.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and are particularly appealing to anyone who was in the Earlscourt area of Waterford at around 11pm last Thursday, 25 April.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
48 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel

     
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds