Gardai are investigating the sale of illegal firearms at the Galway Races.

Pellet guns with plastic bullets were reportedly being sold from the back of vans at the Ballybrit race course yesterday.

The Alliance for Animal Rights claims it observed three different types of gun being sold, from handgun size to rifles, starting at 15 euro.

They've condemned the activity and say it shows a total disregard for the growing number of animal cruelty cases.

Pellet guns are illegal here but are often used to kill wildlife and domestic pets.

Gardai have confirmed they've received complaints about the firearms and are reported to have made a number of confiscations yesterday.