Gardai in Ballinrobe have confirmed that following a planned garda search in the area in the early hours of this morning four persons have been arrested and have been brought to Claremorris and Castlebar Garda stations for questioning.

The local gardai backed up by the regional garda support unit carried out the searches this morning following the incident that occurred in the grounds of St Mary’s Church in the town on Tuesday last, February 28^th, while more than 90 children were being confirmed.

An incident broke out between two opposing groups at the front of the Church grounds and it was reported that some people were carrying implements. Gardai were quickly on the scene.

One man sustained what have been described as minor injuries and another man was arrested on Tuesday last.

Garda Superintendent Joe Doherty has told Midwest news this lunchtime that the four persons arrested this morning are currently being detained and that the garda investigation into last Tuesday’s incident are continuing.

He is appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have been videoing or had a camera in the area and may have any relevant footage to contact Claremorris or Ballinrobe Garda Stations