Armed gardaí were called to last Saturday's Wicklow junior 'A' hurling final in Arklow after a spectator allegedly used racist abuse towards members of the travelling community playing for St. Patrick's.

The game between the Wicklow town club and Kiltegan ended in a 2-9 to 0-15 draw, but was marred by the disturbing allegations of racist abuse, as well as threats of physical violence, which led to the armed gardaí being called. 

While a call was made to Arklow garda station, the armed gardaí were first to respond as they happened to be in the area at the time. No arrests were made, but the matter is being dealt with by the Wicklow CCC.

"We don't play hurling for this," St. Pat's manager Michael Neary told the Bray People.

"I think this should be dealt with by officials. I was shocked at the nature of the abuse and it is a concerning element that has crept into the game. Discipline is very important but it is very hard to keep control when provoked with comments like this which lead to frustration."

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