WAR ON STREET

Gardai target thugs after two gangs feud in multiple violent brawls as politicians call for ‘zero tolerance’ crackdown

• Crime Editor

• Published: 17:48, 11 Sep 2023
• Updated: 17:48, 11 Sep 2023

POLITICIANS have called for a “zero tolerance” crackdown against two warring gangs following a series of violent incidents in Galway over the weekend.

Shocking images of the clashes and car smashes were widely shared on social media.

Two men were knocked down by a speeding car after it drove into a crowd of people near the Galway Shopping Centre.

Following the incident, four people were brought to hospital. Two also suffered stab wounds.

The car smash comes after a number of violent clashes in Galway city last Friday and Saturday.

During the incident on Sunday, a vehicle was also badly damaged and videos shared showed a large group of men fighting with each other.

Gardai also seized a number of weapons in a follow-up search. Two vehicles are also being examined but no arrests have been made.

Investigators believe the trouble is linked to two gangs based in Galway and Mayo.

One source said: “This feud has escalated in recent months and every violent action is followed by more attacks.

“The dispute shows no sign of ending and both factions aren’t afraid to use violence. These gangs have no problem engaging in violence in broad daylight.”

A case conference on the incidents was held in Galway yesterday morning by Gardai. They are being investigated by Gardai under ‘Operation Trinomial’.

Gardai suspect two families in Mayo have forged an alliance and have vowed to target two families in Galway.

The feud, which originated in 2019 after a clash between two prison inmates, has escalated this year.

In recent incidents of violence, Gardai have investigated arson attacks, shots fired at homes and cars rammed.

Galway County Councillor James Charity branded the scenes “outrageous”.

He said: “The Chief Supt needs to assign additional Garda resources urgently to deal with this and if he doesn’t have them available, the Justice Minister needs to intervene and direct the Commissioner to provide those resources immediately.

“There can be zero tolerance to people that think they are above the law and are prepared to conduct themselves like this in broad daylight on repeated days without any fear.”

Independent councillor Christy Hyland also said he wants to see more Gardai on the ground.

He added: “I’ve no doubt lives could be lost as a result of this feud and communities need to be protected.”