Will someone think of the children
It is 20 seconds into the pleasantries between Dromid and Derrytresk before one pair arrive at the foot of the Portlaoise steps. The gentleman — seemingly fearing this meeting of minds is about to disperse without his input — is keen to vault the hoardings and join in. A girl — his daughter maybe — performs a gallant blocking job to keep him out of harm’s way.
A sad example of what this codology visits on our youth or a hopeful sign the next generation is blessed with an ounce of sense? You tell me.
What the ridiculous breakdown of law and order isn’t — despite much ugly talk about nordies this week — is a symbol of a northern problem.
Every county has suffered it. I recall a North Tipp junior hurling barney that featured several umbrella-wielding ladies and spilled over into Nenagh hospital where some of the wounded renewed acquaintance.
What there hasn’t been is a collective will to stamp it out. Wishy-washy punishments, appeals, reluctance to accept responsibility.
So much talking has been done this week that acceptance of blame in this case will be difficult. But sooner or later, the nettle must be grasped. Do it for the girl at the foot of the steps.
