Store fronts were smashed, cars were burned. Debris and construction materials were turned into makeshift weapons, pelting the police force.

A morning paper captured a picture of a rioter hurling a wheelbarrow at a member of the gardai.

All told, 14 people were hospitalized, including six police; 41 people were arrested.

Thankfully, my family (who were in town for the week) and I were able to stay clear of the confusion.

However, some of my friends were in the area to do some shopping.

They described the atmosphere as confusing, even initially thinking the rioters were supporters of the Welsh rugby team, also in town for a match on Sunday.

While their shopping trip was less than satisfactory, they were happy just to be safe. A friend was even forced to stay in the basement of a shop while the rioters broke the store windows and looted.

As expected, reactions were mixed among the people there.

Many were shocked, saying this type of thing never happens – maybe in Belfast, but never in Dublin.

A local taxi driver told me it was the stupidest thing he has ever seen in his life.

While there may have been support for the Republican cause, there was little support for the violent behaviour - the worst the country has seen in 25 years. The destruction is expected to cost the city upwards of €10 million.

And all of this comes at a precarious time for the “Fair City”… St. Patrick’s Day, which is a huge event in the city, is just around the corner. Easter Sunday represents the 90th Anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising and talks of a celebration have been vehemently discussed for weeks.

Now, talks are tense and fearful and it appears that peace between the North and the South has taken a fretful step backwards.