New appeal after Portlaoise cemetery brawl

GARDAÍ renewed an appeal for witnesses this morning, as investigations continue into a violent brawl at a Portlaoise Cemetery Mass 11 days ago.

A man in his 40s is still in hospital following the shocking incident involving up to 50 people, at SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery on Sunday 31 May.

In a fresh appeal, Portlaoise gardaí said they are continuing to investigate ‘a public order incident’ at the cemetery at about 1pm, involving ‘a physical altercation between a number of individuals’.

They said: ‘Following the incident, one person - a male in his 40s - is being treated in hospital for injuries believed to be non-life-threatening at this time.'

Four males, two aged in their 20s and two juveniles, were arrested on 31 May in connection with the investigation and appeared before a special sitting of Portlaoise District Court on 1 June, when they were remanded on bail until July.

In their renewed appeal, gardaí said: 'Anyone who was in the area of SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Portlaoise between 12 noon and 1.30pm on Sunday 31 May 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 8674100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Gardaí said that investigations are ongoing.