Violent brawl at  Cemetery Mass

GARDAÍ had to deal with shocking scenes at a Laois graveyard this afternoon, after a violent brawl broke out at a Cemetery Mass.

The Garda Public Order Unit had to assist a large team of uniformed gardaí, when violence erupted at the annual Cemetery Mass in SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery in Portlaoise.

Weapons that included knives were produced during the frightening confrontation, which resulted in a number of injuries and arrests.

The fight initially broke out among a small number of individuals and escalated into a mass brawl at the annual blessing of graves, which is attended by thousands of people.

Independent councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley described the incident as disgraceful. In a social media post, she said: ‘As a member of Portlaoise Cemetery Committee, I was on the main gates today for the Annual Cemetery collection. The scenes and disgraceful violence that took place at a packed Cemetery mass has no place in society. 

'I want to thank An Garda Siochana and the armed response for the great work today . I would like to thank Monsignor Byrne and all the clergy who were there today. And I also want to thank the Committee members, particularly those who took terrible abuse today when stopping vehicles entering the graveyard. 

'Finally I want to thank the public for the great contribution to the collection and hopefully it won’t put people off next year . This is a very important community event where we remember our loved ones.'

A garda investigation is underway following the incident. Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station at 057 8674100.