THE WEDDING OF A LIMERICK couple required garda protection after a crowd gathering outside shouted abuse at the pair.

The onlookers began to throw eggs and rocks at Willie Moran Senior and Margaret Horan who were married at St Mary’s Church in the city.

One man in his 30s was charged for throwing an object at a garda and is due to appear in court later this week.

Gardaí said they increased their presence at the wedding when tensions in the crowd began to escalate. A garda escort then led the wedding party to their reception at the Two Mile Inn.

In April, Kieran Collopy, 34, and his brother Damian Collopy, both of St Ita’s Street, St Mary’s Park, Limerick city, were charged with threatening to kill Willie Moran. Moran is believed to be under state protection.

In 2001, Moran was charged with the murder of Jonathan Edwards, 22, Abbeyvale, Corbally, Co Limerick. The charges were dropped.

Two years later, his then-19-year-old son William Moran Junior was tried and found not guilty for Edwards’ murder.