THREE men were hospitalised after an horrific fight at a Swords GAA club, which left two males with head injuries and another with a slashed face. The incident occurred at St Colmcille's GAA Club in Balheary at around 9pm on Sunday when a brawl broke out in the clubhouse.

Gardaí were called to the scene shortly after and found one male unconscious, another with a head injury and a third with a cut across his face.

'There were three serious assaults at St Colmcille's GAA club and three men were taken to hospital,' a senior garda told the Fingal Independent.

'One received a slash wound to his face, while two others were hospitalised with head injuries. One was unresponsive at the scene, but later came around in hospital.

'Following x-rays, it was deter-mined there were no skull fractures. No arrests have been made to date.' Two of the men remained in hospital on Monday and it's believed the three injured parties were the only individuals involved, thought it's not yet certain how the disturbance was started. CCTV footage of the incident could be crucial to the investigation and it's understood a club member may have attempted to break up a row between two males and subsequently received a slash wound.

St Colmcille's chairman, Gavin Reynolds, said the club was not in a position to comment on the incident and were due to meet with gardaí to discuss the matter.

'We have a zero-tolerance policy on unruly behaviour,' Mr Reynolds said. 'It is unacceptable and will be dealt with accordingly.'

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the incident and have asked anyone with information to contact Swords Garda Station on 01-6664700.

- Robin KIELY