The attendance of members of the Traveller Community at future Ballinasloe Horse Fairs called into question.
Ballinasloe October Fair in County Galway is the traditional meeting place annually for Travellers from all over Ireland and parts of Britain.
They and their brightly painted caravans have added to the romance of this prestigious horse fair.
The Traveller presence at future fairs is under threat. Following complaints about Travellers from residents living adjacent to the Green the Ballinasloe Urban Council has told them they are no longer welcome.
One council member went as far as saying that there was nothing on the Green this year but,
Rogues and blackguards of all descriptions who plunder and pillage all around them.
Several robberies occurred during fair week, but nobody has been arrested and An Garda Síochána are still making enquiries.
Ballinasloe Urban Council is planning a meeting for those who wish to promote the horse fair and agricultural show.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 16 October 1979. The reporter is Jackie Hayden.
