This article is from page 4 of the 2013-10-22 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
GARDAÍ in Clare are urging people to behave responsibly as part of their annual Halloween safety awareness campaign.
Community Guards and members of the Clare County Fire Services have given a series of information meetings at primary and secondary schools around the county. Ennis-based community garda Deirdre O’Doherty said there would be a visible Garda presence on Halloween night (Thursday, October 31) to ensure events pass off safely.
“People drinking and particularly underage drinking at a time when you have bonfires and people letting off fireworks would obviously be the biggest concern for us,” she explained.
Garda O’Doherty continued, “Most of the time there are no problems with kids but it does happen in Ennis, as it does in other towns around Ireland, that you will have people drinking. We would be urging people to let the Fire Services do their job on the night. People should also keep an eye on small kids around bonfires and we would encouraging people to keep pets inside. It’s also important people check on elderly neighbours.”
Ennis Gardaí and Ennis Fire Brigade visited all the classes in Barefield National School on Thursday October 17. The liaison garda officer for Barefield National School, Garda Nadine Keane and Garda Albert Hardiman were present along with Frank Gormley with Gearoid Blake and Stephen Hayes from The Clare Fire Brigade.
Deputy principal Paddy Conroy said the event was beneficial for students.
He said, “Students were shown photographs relating to Halloween dangers and the Garda Nadine Keane and Albert Hardiman advised that the use of firecrackers without a Garda license is an offence. The children viewed photographs and footage of injuries, which have occurred through the use of firecrackers. Old people, young people and animals can sometimes feel intimidated at Halloween so children must ensure that the festival is enjoyed in a responsible and caring fashion. Mr John Burns (Principal) thanked the Garda officers and the firemen for their time and advice and commented that they are friends who keep our communities safe.”