Seven injured and teen arrested after graveyard fracas

GARDA investigations are continuing this morning following what they described as an incident of “violent disorder” at a cemetery in Tuam yesterday (Wednesday).

In total seven people suffered injuries in the fracas which broke out at the graveyard on Athenry Road around 4pm following a funeral.

A male teenager was arrested by Gardaí attempting to flee the scene in possession of a knife. He was taken to Tuam Garda Station and has since been released. A file is being prepared for the Juvenile Liaison Officer (JLO).

Approximately 30 Gardaí responded to the scene, including local uniform and plainclothes personnel, supported by Gardaí from the wider North Western Region and the Regional Armed Support Unit.

Five men and two women were taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, some believed to be knife wounds.

The melee at the graveyard is understood to have been spurred by an ongoing feud between two families in the area.

Gardaí had to physically intervene between parties and dispersed persons present and preserved the scene.

An eye-witness told The Tuam Herald that they had seen people with knives in the graveyard and one person had a saw. Blood droplets were visible on footpaths in the area.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this incident or for anyone with any information to contact Tuam Garda Station on 093 70840, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

The incident caused serious traffic delays and disruption throughout the town last evening and it’s understood that sports events were cancelled, and several pubs closed for the night.