Concerns have been raised over the future of the annual Blessing of the Graves ceremony in Portlaoise following a violent brawl that broke out during this year’s event, reports Breaking News.
The disorder erupted at St Peter and Paul’s Cemetery in Portlaoise, Co Laois, at around 1pm last Sunday.
It is understood a number of weapons, including various knives, were brandished during the incident, leaving a man in his 20s and a juvenile male requiring hospital treatment for non-life-threatening injuries. reports Breaking News.
Four individuals — two adult men and two juveniles — have since been charged with offences under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act as well as affray charges.
Independent Republican councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley, who serves on the cemetery committee and attended the ceremony, said the violence had left many attendees shocked and frightened.
She said months of planning had gone into organising the event for the thousands of people who attend each year. reports Breaking News.
A meeting involving the cemetery committee, gardaí, the Laois Traveller Action Group and Monsignor John Byrne is expected in the coming days to discuss the future of the annual gathering. Dwane Stanley said organisers could not risk a repeat of an incident that endangered public safety.
She described scenes of elderly people, children and families running in fear as the violence unfolded, adding that despite extensive preparations, the event quickly descended into what she called “very dangerous chaos”.
Dwane Stanley also noted that similar disturbances have occurred at comparable events in other towns, including Tullamore and Mullingar, and suggested additional powers for gardaí to prevent known troublemakers from attending such gatherings could help improve safety. reports Breaking News.
Meanwhile, Pavee Point strongly condemned the violence. Co-director Martin Collins described the incident as “absolutely appalling”, particularly given it took place in a cemetery during a religious service, and said Traveller organisations should clearly condemn such behaviour.
Gardaí continue to appeal for witnesses or anyone with mobile phone, CCTV or dash-cam footage from the area between midday and 1.30pm on Sunday to come forward. reports Breaking News.
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