{"id":476473,"date":"2026-05-31T18:49:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-31T18:49:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/476473\/"},"modified":"2026-05-31T18:49:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-31T18:49:10","slug":"shocking-scenes-of-violence-as-armed-gardai-called-to-laois-cemetery-sunday-mass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/476473\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Shocking scenes of violence’ as armed Gardai called to Laois cemetery Sunday mass"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"St<\/a>St Peter and Paul’s Cemetery Portlaoise<\/p>\n

A Laois Councillor has thanked Gardai for their quick response following \u2018shocking scenes of violence\u2019 at a Laois cemetery Sunday mass.\n<\/p>\n

Independent Councillor Caroline Dwane-Stanley described how Gardai had to be called after violent scenes between a number of people broke out.\n<\/p>\n

This occurred today at Cemetery Sunday mass at Portlaoise Cemetery.\n<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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As the graveyard in Portlaoise is the biggest in the county, this mass typically attracts hundreds if not thousands of people.\n<\/p>\n

Cllr Dwane-Stanley said: \u201cAs a member of Portlaoise Cemetery Committee, I was on the main gates today for the Annual Cemetery collection.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe scenes and disgraceful violence that took place at a packed Cemetery mass has no place in society.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to thank An Garda Siochana and the armed response for the great work today.<\/p>\n

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\u201cI would like to thank Monsignor Byrne and all the clergy who were there today.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I also want to thank the Committee members, particularly those who took terrible abuse today when stopping vehicles entering the graveyard.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cFinally I want to thank the public for the great contribution to the collection and hopefully it won\u2019t put people off next year.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a very important community event where we remember our loved ones.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

It is unknown at this time if any injuries were sustained or any arrests made.\n<\/p>\n

Gardai have been contacted for comment.\n<\/p>\n

SEE ALSO \u2013\u00a0ACHL Division 1: Race for semi-final spots heats up after bumper Saturday evening<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

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