A woman in her 20's sustained severe bruising to her face in the attack on Evergreen Street before passers-by came to her aid and her assailant fled the scene on foot.
Gardai have identified a boy in his early teens as a suspect in the attack which occurred on Saturday night around 11.30pm.
The victim was walking home after a night out, and Gardai believe she was followed for some time, before her attacker struck beating her about the face and head.
The young woman's screaming managed to alert passers-by who rushed to her aid and her attacker fled on foot.
Early in the investigation Gardai confirmed that they were following a definite line of enquiry and now believe her attacker was acting alone in a random attack.
The motive for the attack is still under investigation.
The victim was taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment for her injuries which were not life threatening.
She was interviewed by Gardai in the aftermath of the attack and detectives have taken statements from those who helped her on the night.
Investigating officers are yet to make an arrest.
