Violent assaults at Ballyhaunis funeral

Michael Commins

A number of people are expected to be charged with assault and brought before a district court sitting in Castlebar this morning (Tuesday), after violent scenes marred the funeral of a well-known Traveller in Ballyhaunis on Monday afternoon. Martin ‘Red Breast’ McDonagh (85) had resided for the last number of decades in St Helen’s Park, Ballymurtagh, Shannon, and troubled flared at the removal ceremony in  Clare on Sunday evening, as members of a group almost rammed the hearse carrying his coffin outside Shannon Church.
The episode in Clare had its carry-over in Ballyhaunis yesterday (Monday) when the town was on virtual lock-down for a few hours. One car rammed another car at Abbey Street in the town.
It is understood that two men took off running but were later badly assaulted, with one reportedly receiving slash wounds. They were taken by ambulance to Castlebar hospital where they are understood to be making a good recovery.
Gardaí were out in big numbers with back-up from the Regional Support Unit on armed duty. It is understood that their presence outside the church, along the main street, and in the vicinity of Ballyhaunis cemetery, helped defuse the simmering situation. Six men were arrested after other skirmishes and altercations and detained for questioning at Claremorris and Castlebar Garda Stations, and some of those detained are expected to be charged at the district court sitting in Castlebar this morning.
Fr Tom Ryan, PP, Shannon, was the chief celebrant at the Funeral Mass in Ballyhaunis Church with local PP, Fr Stephen Farragher assisting.