Four arrested after brawl at Portlaoise cemetery blessing in Co. Laois

Four people face court after violent clashes involving close to 50 people at a cemetery blessing in Portlaoise. Knives were brandished and two people were injured.

Knives drawn at annual cemetery blessing in County Laois

Four people are due before a special sitting of Portlaoise District Court on Monday after violent clashes broke out at an annual cemetery Mass in County Laois, kclr96fm.com reports.

Two men in their 20s and two juveniles were arrested after close to 50 people became involved in a brawl at SS Peter and Paul's Cemetery on the Stradbally Road during a blessing of the graves.

Garda public order units were deployed to restore calm after knives were brandished during the confrontation. Two people sustained injuries in the incident.

Independent Councillor Caroline Dwane Stanley, who was present at the event, described the scenes as "disgraceful."

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)