A special policing plan is to be put in place at Croagh Patrick later this month amid fears that a number of feuding families could be involved in violent clashes at the holy mountain.

That’s according to today’s Irish Independent.

Its reporting that sources say that gardai are closely monitoring the situation over concerns that individuals involved in a number of serious and complicated disputes could arrive at Croagh Patrick under the guise of climbing for charity, on Saturday week next, July 22, the week before Reek Sunday.

If the threat is deemed to be severe enough,armed gardai may patrol Croagh Patrick on the day.

Westport gardai are reported to be  actively trying to determine who exactly will attend on the day and have requested information from gardai nationwide.