Man arrested as Gardaí invest object thrown at Taoiseach at centenary

A man has been arrested on suspicion of throwing an object at the Taoiseach during his speech at Beal na Bláth on Sunday.

The event, which commemorated Michael Collins on the 100th anniversary of his killing in an ambush was attended by thousands of people. As the Taoiseach addressed the crowds, somebody threw an object believed to be a bottle in his direction. The Gardaí then moved in and arrested the man believed to have thrown it. According to the Journal, a garda spokesperson said the man was detained and taken to Macroom Garda Station, where he was later released. The spokesperson said:

One man, late 30s, was arrested for public order offences on Sunday afternoon 21 August, 2022 at Beal Na Blath, Crookstown, Co. Cork. He was taken to Macroom Garda station and later released.  Investigations ongoing. 

Micheál Martin is the first Fianna Fáil leader to speak at a commemoration for Collins. He said it was his "honour and privilege to be here as Taoiseach and as leader of Fianna Fáil to pay tribute to Michael Collins”. Martin and the Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar who also made a speech were booed by a number of people in the crowd at the event. READ NEXT: Donegal Councillor applauds graffiti over English place names