Teen charged in connection with St Patrick's Day riots

A 16-year-old boy was today charged with violent disorder in connection with riots that broke out in Finglas during St Patrick’s Day festivities.

The boy, who was aged 15 at the time, was charged at the Children’s Court with engaging in violent disorder, at Berryfield Drive, on March 17 last. Prosecuting Garda Patricia Doyle said the boy, who was accompanied to court by his mother, made “no reply” when charged.

She stated that the charge related to “an incident on St Patrick’s Day, in Finglas.” The teenager was remanded on bail to appear again next month for directions from the DPP to be obtained.

During the St Patrick’s night troubles a gang of around 60 people set fire to at least six cars in the Berryfield and Glenties Drive area of Finglas.

Two cars were hijacked and an attempt was made to hijack a third vehicle.

The youths involved had apparently been drinking since around 10am. Gardaí in riot gear and the Garda helicopter were called to the scene and 17 people were arrested.