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Irish police officer shot while on vacation in New Orleans

Garda Brian Hanrahan is recovering from multiple gunshot wounds at a local hospital.

By Kate Stanton

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- An Irish garda, or police officer, was shot while on vacation in New Orleans with his father.

Brian Hanrahan, 32, of Limerick, was in stable condition at a local hospital, after what he told police was an armed robbery in the city's Seventh Ward at 5:40 a.m. Tuesday.

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Hanrahan said he met a man who said he knew where they could have a drink, then withdrew $200 from an ATM.

When they reached New Orleans Street, another man asked him for money, then shot Hanrahan when he refused.

The suspect fled on foot, and Hanrahan was discovered at the scene with gunshot wounds to his back and leg.

Members of New Orleans' Irish community are planning a fundraiser to help pay for Hanrahan's recovery.

James F. McKay III, the honorary consul of Ireland in Louisiana, said in a statement that Hanrahan's wife and mother will be flying in from Ireland to see him.

"Regrettably, Garda Hanrahan met a criminal element in our city," McKay said. "I am pleased that he is now meeting the compassion and support for which the Irish community in New Orleans is world-renowned."

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