A former Garda sergeant has spoken of the surreal atmosphere after arriving in Barcelona just moments after the terrorist attack there.
Christy Galligan arrived in the busy Spanish city just moments after a gang murdered scores of people after rampaging down Las Ramblas.
The former Garda is in Barcelona ahead of his niece Ciara Doherty’s wedding in the coming days.
TV3 presenter Ciara is from Letterkenny and will have her reception in Spain.
Christy revealed how he found it difficult to get a taxi into Barcelona after last night’s attack.
“Everyone’s phones kept going off when we landed and we soon realised what had happened. It was difficult to get a taxi into the city but we eventually did even though the taxi-driver charged us twice the normal fare.
Former Garda Sgt Christy Galligan
“When we got to the city, there was a very surreal atmosphere and everything was very quiet. We just went to our hotel which is close to the Nou Camp and relaxed.
“Even today it is very quiet but you just have to get on with things. You can’t let these things dictate your life but you do have to be careful,” he said.
Christy admitted that the attack did make him think about where the terrorists could strike next.
“I don’t mean to be alarmist but these guys don’t think straight and they could view Ireland as a threat if they decide that we are allowing American troops to land at Shannon.
“I think these attacks show one thing and that’s that we always need to be on our guard,” he said.
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