SLASH hooks, iron bars and hatchets allegedly used in a fight between travellers' families were displayed in Tuam District Court yesterday.
The 35 defendants in the case, which concerns events which took place in Tuam cemetery and outside the McDonagh family home on Weir Road on June 2nd and June 3rd last, face a number of charges, including common assault, criminal damage and possession of dangerous weapons.
Mr Bernie McDonagh said the row at the cemetery riot was sparked off when Mr Ned Ward of Camp Site, Rahoon, Galway, told him to "get off the f...ing grave" of the deceased man, Mr Bernie Mongan. He said he apologised and got down off the grave but was struck on the jaw by Mr Ned Ward with a knuckle-duster. He was also attacked by Mr Anthony Ward and Mr Charles Ward.
Mr Sean Acton, solicitor for several defendants, put it to him that his family went to the cemetery armed with weapons as they feared retaliation from members of the Mongan family after an incident between them some years ago. Mr Edward McDonagh snr said his wife was hit with a spade and his daughter beaten unconscious.
More than 100 people gathered outside his house the next day with slash hooks, shovels, bars and rocks. He said he saw Mr Denis Ward point a shotgun at the house and he heard a shot being fired. Mr Acton said Mr McDonagh, like the other members of his family, was involved in a witch-hunt against the Wards.
The case continues tomorrow.