A Traveller organisation has condemned the actions of those involved in a violent brawl which broke out at an annual cemetery Mass in Co Laois last Sunday describing them as “appalling”

The event, which took place the week of International Roma Day, April 8th, was opened by Minister for Equality Norma Foley

Structural racism in Irish society is a barrier to progress on the rights of Travellers, a human rights commissioner said.

Mr Collins said it was unfortunate that anti Traveller sentiment was not a rarity.