Limerick-based entrepreneur, Tobi Ometoso, was attacked on Saturday, 28 March, leaving him blind in one eye.
Mr Ometoso is the co-founder of Top8 Street Dance Battle and Afro Delight Restaurant.
Over the past week, he had been running the ‘Top 8 Hip Hop and Street Dance Festival’.
He was reportedly heading out to celebrate when he was attacked by a stranger, resulting in serious injuries and significant medical expenses.
He has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of his treatment.
In his GoFundMe statement, Mr Ometoso described the incident as an act of “senseless violence,” claiming he was “chosen” and “chased” by the attacker to a roundabout.
The attacker blocked his path before striking his car with a wooden bat, shattering the driver’s side window.
Shards of glass struck Mr Ometoso in the eye, causing severe damage, including a half-sliced iris, a ruptured lens capsule, and the onset of a cataract.
While surgeons were able to repair the iris, further procedures are necessary for the other injuries.
At the time of writing, the GoFundMe has raised €47,000 of its €60,000 target.
The Gardai are currently investigating the case.
A Garda spokesperson said officers received a report of an alleged assault and criminal damage in the Old Cratloe Road area of Limerick city at approximately 10:30am on Saturday, 28 March.
“A car has been reported as damaged. A male, aged in his 30s, suffered serious injuries during the incident. Investigations are ongoing.”
In response to the attack, friends of Mr Ometosho have made videos to raise awareness and to focus on the positives and help, rather than on the ‘hate’ spreading.