Five in court over distressing Portlaoise cemetery violence

A judge refused to accept jurisdiction in relation to three out of five people who appeared in court in connection with a brawl during cemetery mass in Portlaoise.

Daniel McInerney (31) of 25 Jockey Farm, Luton, is accused of violent disorder at St Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Stradbally Road, Portlaoise on May 31.

Gerard McInerney (38) of unofficial halting site, Kilcruttin, Tullamore, Co Offaly is accused of violent disorder and possession of a knife at St Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Stradbally Road, Portlaoise on May 31.

Helen Ward (35) of Bay 16, Kilcruttin Halting Site, Tullamore, Co Offaly is accused of possession of a knife at the same location and time.

A 17 year-old, who cannot be named due to his age, is accused of violent disorder and possession of a knife arising from the same incident.

The court was told a second teenage boy who had been charged with affray was dealt with through the juvenile diversion scheme. Judge Andrew Gubbins then withdrew the charge and struck out the proceedings.

All five appeared before a sitting of Portlaoise District Court where Garda Sergeant Kevin O’Sullivan said the DPP had directed that the case be dealt with in the district court subject to a judge's acceptance.

Sgt O’Sullivan said there was no objection to bail in relation to the first defendant. He said a charge of affray had been withdrawn and the defendant had been charged with violent disorder.

Sgt O’Sullivan said the charge related to an incident at the blessing of the graves at St Peter and Paul’s Cemetery in Portlaoise on May 31, 2026. He said around 3,000 people were in attendance including children on the day and information was received by Gardaí warning of potential violence between members of the Traveller community.

He said Daniel McInerney was observed in an agitated state and he “ran towards another male and he punched him triggering an altercation” while mass was taking place.

Sgt O’Sullivan said Gerard McInerney was “observed running in the cemetery while carrying a knife” during the incident. He had to be pepper sprayed and restrained and a “retractable” knife was recovered, said Sgt O’Sullivan.

He said the teenager was identified as being involved in the disorder and running away with a knife.

Sgt O’Sullivan said Helen Ward was allegedly “shouting at persons” and "holding a knife” during the incident.

He said a male received serious injuries during the incident at the cemetery but he said the four accused weren’t involved in the assault which resulted in the serious injuries.

Sgt O’Sullivan said members of the public were observed leaving the cemetery in a “distressed state” following the events.

Solicitor Aonghus McCarthy said “I would invite you to accept the recommendation of the DPP.”

“It is not so serious that the district court could not dispose of it,” said Mr McCarthy.

Judge Andrew Gubbins noted that the affray charges had been replaced with violent disorder and said he was going to refuse jurisdiction.

“Overall this incident is too serious,” said Judge Gubbins.

Mr McCarthy appealed to the judge to reconsider in relation to the juvenile. “I may or may not be able to get you to deal with him differently,” said Mr McCarthy. “I implore you to deal with him summarily,” he said.

He said the defendant would likely turn 18 before the case was reached in the circuit court and he was "statistically more likely” to fare better as a juvenile. He asked that his case be allowed to remain in the district court.

Judge Gubbins noted that the juvenile would lose out once he “aged out” and he asked Sgt O’Sullivan about the allegations facing the teenager.

Sgt O’Sullivan said once the violence had begun he had been “observed running in that disorder in possession of a knife.” He said the teenager threw the knife away and it was recovered by Gardai.

“In the circumstances I will accept jurisdiction,” said Judge Gubbins.

He directed disclosure to Mr McCarthy and adjourned the teenager’s case to Portlaoise District Court on November 2.

The other three defendants were remanded on bail with conditions to appear again before Portlaoise District Court on November 23 for service of the book of evidence.