A garda who was struck by a car when a gang rammed a checkpoint early on Wednesday in Co Kilkenny remains in hospital in a serious condition.
A Garda spokeswoman said that Garda Eoin Behan, who was patrolling on foot at the time, suffered facial and head injuries and required "up to 50 stitches".
Garda Behan, who is stationed at Abbeyleix, is a native of Johnstown, Co Kilkenny, where he is a well-known hurler with the Fenians club.
Garda Trevor Shore, who had been in a patrol car which was rammed, sustained neck and back injuries but was not kept in hospital.
Gardaí have been searching for members of the gang who escaped into the north Kilkenny countryside after the ramming incident.
Gardaí set up the checkpoint after they were alerted by Glanbia security staff following the theft of metal from a storage compound located behind the Glanbia plant in the townland of Ballycondra near the village of Ballyragget early on Wednesday.
The checkpoint was rammed by two cars towing trailers.
A 26-year-old Co Laois man appeared at Carlow District Court yesterday charged with the theft of metal valued at €4,000 in north Co Kilkenny during the early hours of last Wednesday morning. He was released on bail.
The court heard that Patrick McInerney, The Heath, Portlaoise, was arrested at 3.30am on Wednesday. Sgt Peter McConnon of Castlecomer Garda station told the court that when the accused was charged at 11.40pm on Wednesday he "had nothing to say". Supt Patrick Kavanagh of Carlow Garda station also told Judge Patrick Clyne that it was a very serious matter and that more serious charges may follow.