Gun shots reported as violence escalates

The violence which erupted on the streets of Tyrrellspass two weeks ago between two feuding traveller families escalated last week when Gardaí received reports of shots having been fired at a family home.It is believed the attack took place in retaliation to the violence which spilled out in the quiet village of Tyrrellspass during celebrations for the young boxing champion who won a world gold medal.Shots were allegedly fired into the bedroom of a twelve-year-old child at 1.40am in the morning on Friday, May 14 in the Moate area.It is understood the occupants of the house were woken from their beds when they heard their dog barking and saw a man standing outside the house. A loud bang was heard where it is believed a shot was fired through the window of the twelve year old's room, shattering glass all over the boy's bed. Luckily the child was not in the bed when the incident occurred, having left his bed when he heard the dog barking. It is believed that arising from Garda enquiries into the alleged incident, one man was arrested in the Athlone on suspicion of having caused criminal damage in the Moate area on Friday last, May 21 and was remanded in custody. Gardaí say investigations are ongoing into the reports of shots having been fired at the house in Moate. While there have been a number of incidents of feuds developing within the traveller community acoss the midlands in recent times, it is understood that this latest disturbance is an unrelated matter.Following the latest disturbances, senior Garda officers are believed to have called for a more visible presence in both the Tyrrellspass and Moate areas in the hope of calming the situation. Increased patrols have been undertaken in recent days and Gardai are hopeful the trouble which has erupted over the past fortnight will not develop into a long running feud.