American police officers have donated nearly €2,000 to the family of Garda Brian Hanrahan who was shot and seriously injured in a botched street robbery in New Orleans.

The Limerick based Garda had been on holiday with his father when he was shot twice last Tuesday.

Brian's wife, Emma, was presented with a debit card worth almost €2,000 by the New Jersey State and Port Authority Police Benevolent Associations yesterday to cover unexpected travel expenses, and any associated hospital bills.

A number of fundraiser's have also been organised here and in the states. Matt Murphy, head chef at the Irish House Restaurant in New Orleans where the local Irish community is to host an event this weekend

The New Orleans Irish community is to host an event this weekend at the Irish House Restaurant in the city. Matt Murphy, head chef, visited Mr Hanrahan in hospital.

“He was in good spirits, I think he had just come out of operation that morning. He looked well, of course in shock,” he said.