Violent cemetery brawl: Gardaí reissue appeal for information

Sarah Slater

Gardaí are renewing their appeal for witnesses to come forward following a violent cemetery brawl which resulted in two men being injured and four people arrested.

The incident, which occurred at St Peter and Paul's cemetery in Portlaoise, Co Laois, at 1pm on Sunday, May 31st, in which it is understood several weapons, including a large variety of knives, being brandished, resulting in two people, a male in his 40s and a juvenile male, being treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Four people, two men and two male juveniles, have since been charged under the Fire Arms and Offensive Weapons Act and affray.

Scores of gardaí along with the public order unit were in attendance at the Mass. Last year, a small scuffle also occurred at the annual event.

More than 3,000 attended the annual blessing of the graves at the cemetery.

In a statement, gardaí are appealing for “anyone who was in the area of St Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Portlaoise between 12noon and 1:30pm on Sunday 31st, and who may have any information about the incident is asked to contact investigating Gardaí”.

In particular, gardaí are keen for anyone who was present at the time, with camera footage (including mobile phone and dash-cam footage) is asked to make it available.

Gardaí can be contacted at Portlaoise Garda Station on (057) 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Investigations are ongoing by gardai.

Councillor and long-time cemetery committee member Caroline Dwane Stanley said the incident has placed doubts on the future of the annual mass.

“To see, witness and try to deal with what occurred at the cemetery last Sunday was so appalling and not something I thought I would ever witness. Elderly women and men and children running for their lives and visibly crying out of fear is something I never want to see again,” added Cllr Dwane Stanley.

“There were 3,000 people at the cemetery last Sunday and we had it so well organised but then it all descended into chaos - a very dangerous chaos.”

Pavee Point, which works to promote human rights, social justice and equality for Irish Travellers and the Roma community, said the actions of some of their community at the event was “unacceptable” which is leading to “stereotyping” of the worst kind.

Martin Collins, co-director of Pavee Point said: “(For such an incident) particularly in a graveyard, a place of worship and respect is absolutely appalling. Any Traveller organisation worth their salt should come out and say what happened is seriously unacceptable.”