By Ralph Riegel
Copyright independent
An inmate was immediately placed in solitary confinement following the alleged assault which occurred on Wednesday afternoon as the prison was holding inmate visitation.
The man is understood to have gangland links and was previously suspected of having sanctioned an attack on the home of an Irish Prison Service officer.
Sources indicated that the man is regarded as extremely volatile and has a history of violent behaviour.
He is associated with a feared Dublin-based organised crime operation.
The woman was assessed at the scene by paramedics for her injuries.
As a precautionary measure she was taken to Cork University Hospital (CUH) for further assessment.
Her injuries are not described as life threatening.
One source said the woman was left deeply distraught by the incident.
The woman and the inmate were known to each other.
Gardaà were notified of the incident and are investigating the matter.
A number of people are understood to have witnessed the incident.
