Festival security bill to rise after village violence

FESTIVAL organisers may have to pay for more garda protection at such events if they want to prevent the type of violence which broke out in a normally very peaceful village in Co Cork last weekend.

Cllr Michael Hegarty, chairman of the county’s Joint Policing Committee, said he was appalled at the “mindless thuggery” which led to gang fights and five cases of assault causing actual harm on the streets of Shanagarry, near Midleton.

The worst trouble flared on Saturday night as revellers left the 35th annual Miss Blue Jeans Festival.

According to gardaí, there were far larger crowds than normal at this year’s event because a number of buses brought young people in from Glanmire, Youghal and Midleton.

Many of these youngsters congregated on the streets and did not go into the festival arena, which was policed by professional security assisted by gardaí and aided by volunteer stewards from Russell Rovers GAA Club, which organised the event.

A number of disturbances took place at nearby Fr Troy Park and the adjoining car park. There also were several fights on the village streets.

Chief Superintendent Kieran McGann confirmed there were five incidents of assault causing harm over the weekend, two of which were perpetrated by the same culprit. He said “three suspect offenders had been identified” and arrests will follow.

“There were a number of gardaí present who dealt with public disorder, and made arrests for drunkenness and drink-driving. They also seized a number of vehicles,” the senior garda said.

Mr Hegarty said Garda manpower has been reduced all over the country and, if events like this are to be held in future, organisers may have to pay for more gardaí to attend, as happens at bigger festivals.

Chief Supt McGann said the organisers ensured there was no trouble within the festival site itself.

“But unfortunately an unintended consequence of busing in so many young people, who had little interest in attending the actual festival, was that trouble broke out on the streets.” he said.

Gardaí were also at full stretch, as there were 50 emergency calls attended in the Midleton district over the course of that weekend, which is much higher than normal.

Chief Supt McGann said gardaí will meet with the Russell Rovers’ organising committee shortly to review security arrangements at the festival.