St Peter and Paul’s Cemetery Portlaoise
A Laois Councillor has thanked Gardai for their quick response following ‘shocking scenes of violence’ at a Laois cemetery Sunday mass.
Independent Councillor Caroline Dwane-Stanley described how Gardai had to be called after violent scenes between a number of people broke out.
This occurred today at Cemetery Sunday mass at Portlaoise Cemetery.
A Cemetery Sunday Mass is a traditional Catholic religious service held in cemeteries, usually once a year, to pray for and remember those who are buried there.
As the graveyard in Portlaoise is the biggest in the county, this mass typically attracts hundreds if not thousands of people.
Cllr Dwane-Stanley said: “As a member of Portlaoise Cemetery Committee, I was on the main gates today for the Annual Cemetery collection.
“The scenes and disgraceful violence that took place at a packed Cemetery mass has no place in society.
“I want to thank An Garda Siochana and the armed response for the great work today.
“I would like to thank Monsignor Byrne and all the clergy who were there today.
“And I also want to thank the Committee members, particularly those who took terrible abuse today when stopping vehicles entering the graveyard.
“Finally I want to thank the public for the great contribution to the collection and hopefully it won’t put people off next year.
“This is a very important community event where we remember our loved ones.”
It is unknown at this time if any injuries were sustained or any arrests made.
Gardai have been contacted for comment.
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