Principals ask parents to keep eye on children

SCHOOL principals in Killarney have written to parents asking them to be “vigilant” about the behaviour of their children.

The letter, jointly signed by the heads of the town’s three second-level schools, followed a meeting with gardaí.

Concerns are being raised about late-night violent rows among young people.

Teenagers who congregate in a number of public areas around the town have been involved in incidents at weekends.

At about 11pm on one Friday night recently, upwards of 40 teenagers— some of them reported to be drunk — were involved in a fracas during which one boy was hit on the back of the head with a bottle.

Eyewitnesses said some of those in the fight were as young as 14.

Two teenage boys were arrested and their parents were called to Killarney Garda Station to collect them and discuss their behaviour.

Prior to the issuing of the principals’ letter, senior gardaí contacted the schools to draw attention to behaviour among pupils and fights between factions from different schools.

In their letter, the principals said gardaí had requested assistance to help deal with the problem.

“The three schools are asking parents to be vigilant as to the whereabouts and activities of their children,” the letter said.

“As principals of the second-level schools in Killarney, and out of concern for the safety of our students, we are requesting parents and guardians to speak to your sons and daughters about behaving in a responsible way at all times.”

It was signed by Ed O’Neill of St Brendan’s College; Margaret McCormack, of St Brigid’s Secondary School and Fiona O’Brien of Killarney Community College.

The striking of a boy with a bottle reportedly brought a series of rowdy incidents involving both boys and girls to a head.

Issues raised at recent meetings in Killarney include underage drinking and drug abuse. Gardaí addressed about 170 parents at a meeting in the town. They also warned about the large amounts of money some parents are giving their children.