Curbing fun or tradition not my intention, says Monaghan

The Galway GAA official responsible for issuing a directive against children and teenagers hanging out of windows during victory motorcades in the county insists he is not a killjoy.

County children’s officer Pat Monaghan stressed he is not in support of banning homecomings but concerned about the dangerous practice of young players celebrating from cars.

All clubs in Galway have been asked to comply with the request from the board’s health and well-being committee to cease such actions.

“A couple of parents expressed concern about the safety of kids at such events,” explained Monaghan. “I, as a parent, would have been part of such victory situations and seen kids sitting on the windows of cars and barely holding onto the side.

“As the children’s officer, I felt there was an onus on me to do something about it.

“My intention is to raise awareness about it. I don’t want to ban cavalcades. I’m a staunch GAA man and believe strongly in traditions being kept. However, this is about preventing a serious accident or a tragedy.

“I’ve seen children barely holding onto the sides of cars. It’s against the law and now a penalty points offence. I just wanted that to be brought into the openness.”

Monaghan maintains homecomings can still be enjoyed but in a safer capacity.

“This is the time of year for all these victory celebrations and we must say we’re not being party poopers here. It’s about people taking responsibility for their actions.”

The committee also hope that the threats of insurance claims will be lessened by the request they have issued to clubs.