The centre of Dublin became a battleground as hundreds of Republican protesters clashed with Gardai along some of the capital's main streets.

Opposition to a Loyalist march commemorating the victims of Republican violence resulted in riots. However, the march never left its starting point at Parnell Square.

The trouble broke just before one o'clock at the junction of Parnell Street and O'Connell Street. The Loyalist march was called off but further skirmishes broke out at O'Connell Bridge, Aston Quay, Fleet Street, Temple Bar and Nassau Street.

Dublin City Council estimates the cost of the clean-up at €50,000 as shops were damaged and cars were set alight. A number of Gardaí were injured on O'Connell Street and RTÉ journalist Charlie Bird was also attacked. Describing his experience Charlie Bird says

It was all over in seconds but they just repeatedly punched me in the face with their fists and I just ran...

He says he was described as "an orange bastard" by his attackers.

14 people were hospitalised as a result of the violence.



An RTÉ News report by Barry Cummins broadcast on 25 February 2006.