GARDAĆ are investigating a report of criminal damage to a headstone at a grave in Limerick which GardaĆ suspect may be connected to violent feuding between a number of groups operating on the south of Limerick City.
A video of a damaged headstone and grave was widely shared on social media showing the smashed up grave.
A Garda spokesman said that āGardaĆ received report of criminal damage at a graveyardā on the outskirts of the city on Saturday March 8, and that āinvestigations are ongoingā.
Garda sources believe the incident is connected to feuding between rival parties in Limerick.
The feuding has intensified in recent weeks and months as tit-for-tat attacks including petrol bombings, stabbings, shootings, and pipebomb attacks, have increased.
Last Thursday a car was petrol bombed in Garryowen resulting in increased Garda patrols and Garda checkpoints in several flashpoint areas around Limerick City suburbs, including the greater Ballinacurra Weston, Hyde Road, Southill, and Carew Park areas.
Those involved include members of groups directly linked to or who are associates of a feud that left up to 20 people murdered between the late 1990s and early to mid 2000s.
A government-led approach to investing in a Regeneration Agency and An Garda SĆochĆ”na in the mid 2000s resulted in a complete reduction in gangland murders.
However, several feuds are intensifying with GardaĆ fearful of a return to killings, sources said.
āMother of sweet Jesus, is there nothing sacred anymore,ā asked a person in a social media post underneath a video of the damaged grave.
Another person expressing their horror at the video of the vandalised grave, wrote: āOmg that is just sick, you do not disturb the dead.ā
Another commenter stated: āThe lowest form of evil, absolutely disgusting behaviour.ā
The Defence Forceās Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, which deals with retrieving and disposing of IEDs (improvised explosive devices) has responded to several IED incidents in Limerick City in recent months.