Garda car attacked in Kerry street row

GARDA reinforcements had again to be called to Castleisland, Co Kerry, at the weekend to deal with ongoing street rows, some of them in broad daylight.

Weapons including knives and bars were in evidence and a garda patrol car was attacked in one incident.

Four men were arrested, two of whom are due to appear in Castleisland Court on Thursday.

Last Wednesday evening a man in his 20s was stabbed on a street in Castleisland, but senior gardaí have rejected claims that the situation is out of control.

However, local Fine Gael councillor Bobby O’Connell yesterday claimed: “These things would not be happening on an ongoing basis if the situation was under control.

“People are sick and tired of what’s happening. Castleisland was always a peaceful town, but it is now getting a bad name from all this blackguarding.

“We want to see Castleisland getting back on track again and the sooner the culprits are brought to justice, the better.”

Cllr O’Connell, who is also a publican in Castleisland, said the town should be provided with a proper garda station as a matter of urgency.

“Gardaí must be given the resources to do their job,” he added.

A continuing feud between young Travellers and the local community is at the centre of the conflict, amid claims of a turf war over drugs.

There has been a series of street brawls, mainly at weekends, since New Year’s Eve.

Disturbances started at 1.30am yesterday, as a result of which two men were arrested and taken to Killarney Garda Station.

However, a much more serious incident flared up on the main street shortly after 8am, with about eight people initially involved.

Up to 20 youths, all understood to be Travellers, eventually became embroiled, watched by 50 to 60 onlookers. The row spilled over into housing estates in Castleisland.

“There was a lot of noise, shouting and boisterous behaviour. Gardaí from Killarney were called to the scene and they met huge resistance. They had to call for more garda assistance from Killarney and Tralee,” a garda spokesman said.

“The patrol car was attacked at one stage, but no weapons were used against the gardaí.”

Two men, one aged 19 and the other a minor, were arrested and brought to Killarney Garda Station, where they were charged with Public Order Act offences and with assaulting gardaí.

They were released last evening and are due to appear at Castleisland court on Thursday.

Gardaí, who are working out of a rented building in Castleisland, say they are facing an uphill battle. They say they must be given the necessary resources to do their job.

Meanwhile, garda investigations into the various incidents are continuing and more people are expected to be charged.