A lesbian couple were left with horrific injuries after a homophobic attack at bus station.
Robyn Deane took to Instagram stories to say that she had to go to hospital after the alleged attack while waiting for a bus in Dublin city centre.
She posted pictures of her bruised and swollen face and that her girlfriend Kate was "okay."
She wrote: "Me and Kate just got gay bashed. This is what being lesbians in Ireland is.
"In hospital right now. Will reply to everyone at a later point. Kate is okay."
Kate added: "Me and Robyn just got gay bashed waiting for the bus.
"Like fully punched in the face.
"Dublin is absolutely f******."
A fundraiser was launched to help cover medical costs, therapy and any other costs that might arise, reports Dublin Live.
It said: "Yesterday afternoon, Robyn and Kate where assaulted in Dublin, in an act of homophobia.
"The incident has caused great emotional and physical harm, and I am creating this GoFundMe to support and show our love to Robyn and Kate as they heal from this traumatic incident.
"The funds collected will be used to cover any medical bills that may occur, therapy sessions and to help with upcoming rent and expenses due to being unable to work for the foreseeable future.
"As we are still unsure of the exact amount needed to cover the costs for Robyn and Kate, and any excess donations will be given to LGBTQ+ charities based in Ireland."
Donations have since closed after raise €13,071 in less than 24 hours with well wishes being sent from all over the country.
The organiser said that a portion of the donations would be going towards Small Trans Library, an Irish/Scottish organisation that supports the trans community.
Robyn thanked the public for their outpour of support and said that she was currently in a lot of pain.
She wrote: "Kate and I thank everyone so much for all of the love and support you have given us. We will be donating a portion of the funds directly to our trans and lesbian friends who experience extreme hardship, alongside donating to some charities that we will confirm in the next few days.
"Thank you so so much. I am physically in a lot of pain and need rest. We are both exhausted. We love our community. Thank you."
In a statement, An Garda Síochána said: Gardaí at Santry are investigating following a serious assault incident in Drumcondra, Dublin 9 on Monday May 16, 2022.
"Shortly after 6:00pm, Gardaí were alerted following reports of an assault incident on Drumcondra Road Upper. It’s understood two females aged in their 20s were assaulted in the course of an altercation with two males, as they stood waiting at a bus stop. Both males fled from the scene on foot.
"The two women required medical treatment for facial injuries.
"Enquires into the incident are ongoing. No arrests have been made to date."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Santry Garda Station 01 6664000 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.
