A Confirmation service in Ballinrobe, Co, Mayo was disrupted this week when around a dozen men came into the church, armed with slash hooks, and tried to chase a man in the congregation.
Some 600 people, including ninety children from three local schools who were in the process of being confirmed Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary at the time, and their families, were present when the attack took place.
The incident in St Mary’s Church occurred last Tuesday.
Shocked members of the congregation reported that the man fled into the porch of the church where a wooden table was broken over his back by one of the attackers.
Shocked members of the congregation reported that the man fled into the porch of the church where a wooden table was broken over his back by one of the attackers.
One witness told local media that, “to see this happen was unbelievable, the lack of respect shown was incredible, to think that such an attack would take place on the day of a Confirmation, a special day for so many children and their families, with no regard for human safety.”
No serious injuries have been reported and the incident is believed to be part of an ongoing feud between two families in the area.
Armed Gardaí were on the scene within minutes and gradually defused the situation and arrested a man who subsequently appeared before a special court sitting in Galway.
A Garda spokesperson, who said that the matter is being investigated by Gardaí from Ballinrobe and Claremorris, asked witnesses to come forward, and described the situation as volatile.