Pavee Point condemns violent brawl at annual graveyard mass describing it as 'appalling'

Sarah Slater

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”.

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 St Peters and Pauls blessing of the graves in Portlaoise was “unacceptable” which is leading to “stereotyping” of the worst kind.

Martin Collins, co-director of Pavee Point said that the most important outcome from Sunday’s incident, of which 3,000 people were attending the 1pm ceremony was that “no-one was killed or seriously, seriously injured”.

“Our primary concern is the protection, wellbeing and welfare of people,” Collins outlined.

“(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.”

Collins pointed out that such actions are “damaging” to their community, “incites racism and encourages the stereotype that Travellers are inherently violent”.

“Obviously this is an ongoing live investigation so we are acutely aware of that. We would encourage anyone with information about what occurred last Sunday to contact gardai,” he added.

Two men and two 17-year-old males were remanded on continuing bail at a special sitting of Portlaoise District Court before Judge Andrew Cody on Monday, two of whom were charged with under the Fire Arms and Offensive Weapons Act and two with affray under the Criminal Justice Act. Three of the accused are due to re-appear at Portlaoise District Court on July 20th and the other on July 23rd.

The huge brawl in which it is understood a number of weapons, including a large variety of knives were brandished, resulted in two people, a male in his 20s and a juvenile male being treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to contact them.

Anyone who was in the area of St Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Portlaoise between midday and 1.30pm last Sunday and “who may have any information about the incident” is asked to contact investigating gardaí.

In particular, 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.