Video footage captured of large crowds gathered down in Killarney over the weekend has caused widespread fury online, with several taking to social media to express their disgust over the anti-social behaviour.
Voicing his opinion on the footage, Independent Councillor Jackie Healy-Rae described the situation as ‘crazy irresponsible’.
‘Crazy irresponsible scenes in Killarney last night. The government on about giving extra powers to Gardaà to break up house parties, this is the Main Street in Killarney, where were they ??’
https://twitter.com/Jackie_HealyRae/status/1299992503429537792
Healy-Rae later admitted that his initial comments regarding Garda presence were perhaps a little ‘harsh’, with the Kerry councillor tweeting to say:
‘My initial comment in relation to the GardaÃ, perhaps was harsh, there is conflicting reports as to how this incident was responded to. I appreciate there was many incidents in the town last night and perhaps the issue is there wasn’t enough Gardaà on duty.
But, that certainly doesn’t excuse the behaviour and actions of these people and at peak season in Killarney we should have adequate numbers of Gardaà to stop this.’
Disgusted for all law abiding publicans to see scenes like this in Killarney last night.
Especially while the majority of pubs are still shut down.
Close down the business that sold them the takeaway pints immediately and enforce the new Garda laws. @VFIpubs pic.twitter.com/uhfRG8HY8y— The Pubs Of Kerry (@ThePubsOfKerry) August 30, 2020
Also responding to the video, The Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) wrote that ‘we all have a duty to behave responsibly’, writing that the situation is ‘hugely upsetting for everyone following the guidelines’.
