LAST UPDATE | 21 Oct 2025

FOUR GARDAÍ are out of work following two incidents of assault in recent days, leaving a Co Waterford town down an entire unit to police its streets, The Journal has learned. 

The gardaí are based in Dungarvan and were attacked during shifts last week, causing them to have to take sick leave to treat their wounds. 

The gardaí involved are uniformed members attached to a so-called “regular” policing unit which deals with everything from station duty to 999 calls to patrolling. 

Sources have said that garda management are now going to have to move members away from other towns and the nearby city to cover the shortfall. 

It is understood gardaí from nearby areas have covered calls.

One of the gardaí involved was hospitalised after one of the incidents. 

It comes as a man was also assaulted in nearby Cappoquin, Co Waterford on Saturday night – he remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The first incident happened in Dungarvan garda station on Thursday night – a suspect who was arrested allegedly attacked two gardaí who were beaten viciously.

These gardaí went sick because of their injuries. 

A second incident occurred on Friday night when gardaí were dealing with an incident on a street in the town. As they were attempting to arrest a woman for an offence, a number of people emerged from a nearby house and attacked the gardaí.

Over the space of the two days, five gardaí were injured. One of those is a sergeant in Dungarvan. The others are men and women attached to the same unit. 

One of the injured is understood to have returned to work, while the other four have significant injuries which have kept them off duty. 

Additionally, a video obtained by The Journal shows a third assault on other gardaí in Dungarvan on Sunday night.

It is understood two men have been arrested for attacking the members during that incident. A number of people can be seen attacking gardaí while another member of the public films it. 

One man is seen repeatedly kicking the gardaí while another man is seen punching them.

Gardaí used their batons to try and control the situation but the attackers continued to beat them.

Peter Firth, a local Waterford based Garda Representative Association (GRA) representative sent his best wishes to his colleagues.

“First of all my thoughts are with the Gardaí involved and wish them a speedy recovery and hope to see them back to full health,” Firth said.

“These separate attacks go to show the varying risks our members face on a daily basis whether when out protecting the public on the streets of Waterford or even in the perceived safety of the station.”

He said that a “clear message needs to go out today that there is never an excuse for attacking Gardaí who were simply doing their job and trying to keep the streets safe”.

“Any absences from duty because of assaults such as these will have to be filled by their dedicated colleagues from across units in Waterford to ensure a policing response to the communities that these Gardaí bravely serve on a daily basis,” he said. 

Councillor Damien Geoghegan is a local member of Waterford County Council and he also had a message for the gardaí.

“I certainly wish to pass my best wishes to the members of the Gardai who were caught up in this incident and find themselves injured as a result.

“I wish them a speedy recovery and I would also call on members of the public to show their support and assist the Garda investigation in any way that they can.”

Garda statement

A garda spokesperson confirmed the three assaults and confirmed that four gardaí are out sick with injuries from the attacks. 

It said a full investigation into all circumstances surrounding these incidents has commenced and that gardaí involved have been offered supports.

The garda statement said that the Regional Control Room and supported by neighbouring Garda units worked to ensure continued public safety.

Chief Superintendent Pettit, Waterford/ Kilkenny Garda Division condemned the attacks.

“Attacks on members of An Garda Síochána are deplorable. Emergency service personnel, including An Garda Síochána and the National Ambulance Service, respond to incidents to help citizens. It is unacceptable that any of them should be assaulted while on duty. These incidents will be fully investigated.

“My thoughts are with the Garda members involved, who will receive all available support. The public can be assured that full policing services will be maintained. I commend the dedication and support of the members who have made themselves available to assist their colleagues at this time,” he said.