GARDAÍ have identified a number of individuals involved in a mass brawl at a kickboxing event in Shannon last weekend when a man was knocked out and hospitalised.
Shocking images and video footage went viral across social media after around 15 people began fighting in the audience at the annual event hosted by Shannon Kickboxing Club at the Oakwood Arms Hotel.
Videos show a number of men fighting, women throwing chairs and others scrambling to escape the melee as bottles fly across the function room.
At around 11pm on Saturday night, the “Fight Night” bouts were stopped after the brawl broke out outside the ring on the function room floor.
Bare-chested men exchanged punches and kicks while others opportunistically punched people on the periphery of the brawl.
Men and women involved in the brawl are seen fighting around the room as distressed onlookers tried to leave with some trying to intervene.
Gardai from Shannon and Ennis were called to the scene and the footage shows young boys trying to avoid the fights, a number of men injured on the ground with one man apparently unconscious after he was punched from behind.
Gardaí confirmed that one man was hospitalised and a number of others were treated for minor injuries.
Despite the shocking scenes, several peopl have come out in support of the organisers and the event which they say is always very well run.
“This event has always been great for the club and shows the great work that Shannon Kickboxing is doing for the town. It’s such a shame that a few gurriers came and caused so much trouble. I’m disgusted it ended as it did,” one social media user posted.
Gardai in Shannon say a number of arrests are likely as the investigation continues.
“There were no arrests on the night but the investigation is ongoing,” a Garda spokesman said. “We are looking at CCTV and other footage of this incident as part of this investigation.”
