Three people are expected to appear in a Kerry court today charged in connection with a fracas at the weekend in a Killarney hotel.
At least two staff members received facial and other injuries and a number of gardaí called to deal with the disturbance also received injuries during an incident involving residents at a leading Killarney hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The Quality Hotel, the former Ryan Hotel, popular with families and retired people, has never experienced such an incident previously, sources at the hotel said.
Violence erupted suddenly in the bar and lounge area and staff and management were shocked by what occurred, according to sources.
Allegedly assaulted
A male staff member and female staff member were allegedly assaulted – one with a glass and another with a bottle. A third staff member received minor injuries.
There had been a sing-song in the bar and lounge area and a good atmosphere. However, violence suddenly broke out and the staff members were assaulted.
Gardaí who were called to the hotel at about 1am were also assaulted, according to sources. The hotel was almost full. However, a lot of the residents in the 188 room hotel had gone to bed. Staff were shocked and said nothing like that had occurred previously.
A number of the injured, including a male garda and female garda, received medical attention but were released yesterday.
The Garda Press Office yesterday confirmed that gardaí in Killarney went to the hotel to deal with a public order incident.
During the incident three members of staff and two gardaí received injuries.
Three arrests were made, two males, one aged 30 and one 18, and a woman in her 20s.
They have been charged in connection with the incident and are due to appear before a sitting of Killarney District Court today.
It is understood other arrests are pending and the investigation is continuing.
Legal proceedings
The hotel is understood to be preparing a statement. However, it is reluctant to issue it until legal proceedings are dealt with.
Meanwhile, sources at the hotel confirmed that those involved had booked in for a weekend break and were not part of any particular celebration.