GARDAÍ are appealing for witnesses to an altercation outside a church in Ballinrobe yesterday where a Confirmation Mass was taking place.

One man was arrested and one received what Gardai describe as very minor injuries during the incident.

The Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary was celebrating the Confirmation Mass at St Mary’s Church in Ballinrobe when the altercation broke out between 1 and 2pm outside the Church, and spilt into the Church briefly, where over 90 children were being confirmed.

Local gardaí, backed up by the Garda Rapid Response Unit, arrived at the scene and defused the situation.

One man was arrested and appeared before a special court sitting in Galway last evening – he was remanded to appear at Ballinasloe District Court tomorrow.

While it’s reported that several witnesses said men arrived carrying implements including slash-hooks, this has not been confirmed by Gardai.

Inspector Joe Doherty says their investigations are continuing, and any witnesses should contact the Gardai in Ballinrobe or Claremorris.