Irishman Alan Chambers, who was almost gored to death during the annual running of the bulls in Pamlona in Spain, revealed today that he had tried to distract the bull’s attention from an older man.
Mr Chambers (36), from Monkstown, received extensive bruising to the head and back when he was pinned down by a bull during the annual event.
Speaking to The Irish TimesChambers said: "The bull was actually going for an older man in front of me so I started to pull at the bull's tail to distract him; I guess the distraction worked too well because he went for me then."
“The bull then suddenly turned left and I dived between his horns but he trampled me to the ground and then just kept attacking.”
Mr Chambers was aware of the tragic death of Daniel Jimeno Romero, a 27-year-old Spaniard, who was gored in the neck and lung on Thursday, but decided to take part on Saturday nonetheless. It wasn’t until the day after in the hospital, as he watched the Sunday run that he had second thoughts about participating next year.
“I was glad it was over. It was a great fiesta and I was still thinking I would do it again next year until I seen the coverage of the next day. The reality of actually seeing three men brutally gorged by those bulls made me realise I did not want to put my family and friends through anything like that again. I am very aware that I was very lucky.”