Members of the Garda public order unit had to disperse crowds at a Co. Laois cemetery after violence broke out among the hundreds of attendees.

Chaos descended at the annual Cemetery Sunday Mass at St Peter and Paul’s in Portlaoise yesterday at 1pm.

Local gardaí were assisted in large numbers by the public order unit after a mass brawl broke out, which resulted in multiple injuries and arrests.

It is believed that the initial fight began between a small number of attendees but quickly escalated while the blessing of graves was taking place.

A number of weapons, including a large variety of knives, were brandished in the brawl of almost 50 people.

Dramatic and disturbing footage and photos of the fracas involving dozens of men were circulating on social media last night.

Numerous men can be seen throwing punches and lashing out while gardaí move in to break up the fighting.

Many of the officers were wielding batons and wearing protective gear including helmets and body protectors.

As the graveyard in Portlaoise is the biggest in the county, this Mass typically attracts hundreds if not thousands of people.

It is understood that a number of members of the Travelling Community were involved in the violent incident.

In a statement, gardaí said that members on duty at an event at Stradbally Road, Portlaoise, ‘arrested four males following a public order incident at around 1pm’.

The four males (two in their 20s and two juveniles) are being detained at Garda stations in the Eastern Region and have been charged to appear before a special sitting of Portlaoise District Court today at 10:30am.

Two people, a male in his 20s and a juvenile male, are being treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Garda investigations are ongoing. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda station at 057 8674100. Pavee Point, the Travelling community representative body, were contacted for comment.