Gardaí move in after violence shatters peaceful Christmas in Rathkeale

“I’m glad to see the extra garda presence in the town,” said one Rathkeale local. "I just hope they stay until this all ends."

Local sources said there were scenes of “mayhem” in the town Monday.

Rathkeale, in west Co Limerick, looked just like most other country towns celebrating the Christmas spirit, with twinkling coloured street lights and festive trees adoring local homes and businesses.

However, the presence of armed gardaí carrying submachine guns, semi-automatic pistols, tasers, and wearing face masks, was a stark reminder of the violence that erupted here on Monday.