Gardai in Navan were on standby last night after about 300 travellers gathered to watch a fist-fight between two men from travelling families in Athlone and Dundalk. Reinforcements were drafted from other parts of the Louth/Meath division and included a unit of the Public Order Unit from Dublin in riot gear.
The fight took place yesterday morning in a field near the town. The only people present were the fighters, a small number of witnesses and a man with a camcorder who videotaped the event. It was reportedly won by the Dundalk-based man. There are unconfirmed reports that thousands of pounds were bet on the fight.
Yesterday afternoon members of the travelling community were celebrating in Dundalk while gardai continued to monitor the situation in both towns.