Knife wielding youth ran at bare chested man outside Laois church, court hears

A court heard a youth carrying a large kitchen knife ran at a bare chested man outside a church in Portlaoise while a communion was taking place. 

A 17 year-old, who has a Tipperary address and cannot be named due to his age, appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of possessing a large kitchen knife at St Peter and Paul’s Church, Portlaoise, on May 17 last. 

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the gardaí on routine patrol observed a large gathering outside the church on the date in question. He said a holy communion was taking place and there was a “bare chested male acting aggressively” at the church. 

“A youth, allegedly this young man, ran at this male carrying a large silver kitchen knife,” said Sgt Kirby.  He said gardaí activated their sirens and the youth ran from the scene.  

Judge Susan Fay accepted jurisdiction in the case and adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on January 5, 2026. 

She granted legal aid to Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald, who said the youth wasn’t working.