ONE man has died and eight people were injured following fighting in Clondalkin, Co Dublin, on Thursday night and yesterday morning. The dead man was named as Mr Thomas McDonagh (18), of Granard, Co Longford.
Fighting erupted on Thursday evening at St Oliver's Park, Neilstown, which houses a number of travelling families. It started again yesterday morning.
There was a "stand-off" later yesterday, with a group of about 20 gardai separating the two groups, and more gardai standing by. The garda deployment was expected to last through the night.
Gardai seized about 20 weapons, mainly slash-hooks, Stanley knives, pick-axe handles and machetes.
Sgt John O'Donnell, of Ronanstown Garda station, said the families had been living peacefully in the estate of bungalows for years. However, there had been "skirmishes" in recent days, culminating in the serious fighting over the past two days.
Father Dan O'Connell, of the Parish of the Travelling People, said people were frightened and stunned by what had happened.
He said the atmosphere was still tense as people awaited the arrival of the father of the dead youth. He had been on holiday and was seeking a stand-by flight home.
According to Father O'Connell, Mr Thomas McDonagh had gone to visit friends on the site.
Four people were taken into custody on Thursday. A man has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm to Mr McDonagh. The other three people are still being questioned.