Police in the Irish Republic have set up a special unit in response to violence in the Traveller community.
A Garda unit is investigating feud related violence
It is investigating five separate incidents over the last two months in Letterkenny, County Donegal.
The violence is believed to be related to a feud between Traveller families in the area.
In the latest incident, a man was attacked with pitchforks and slash hooks in the Mountain Top area of the town on Sunday.
The victim is recovering in hospital.
Garda Superintendent James Gallagher said the man could have been killed.
"The injured party in this case, who I understand is now stable, is very lucky to be alive," Mr Gallagher said.
He said the type of weapons being used in the violence made the situation very serious.