14 arrests as gangs clash on bonfire night

Gardaí seized machetes, knives, and iron bars and arrested 14 people when rival gangs clashed on Cork’s northside — one of several violent incidents which marred the city’s traditional bonfire night celebrations.

A firefighter was injured after being struck by a bottle thrown by a gang of young thugs who attacked a fire crew dealing with an illegal bonfire near Blackpool late on Sunday night.

Another fire was set in the vacant St Kevin’s unit on the grounds of the former Our Lady’s complex in Shanakiel, prompting renewed calls for increased security or for the structure to be demolished.