WATCH: Aerial footage of May Eve bonfires in Limerick city

LIMERICK Fire and Rescue Service experienced a quiet night of tackling bonfires across the city as numerous estates sparked off the annual May Eve celebrations this week.

Aerial drone footage, captured by Krzysztof Piotr Luszcki, shows a number of bonfires that took place early in the evening on Tuesday. 

The emergency personnel were geared up for what was expected to be another busy evening of tackling bonfires, on top of other incidents, as there had been reports of crew being confronted and assaulted by youths in previous years.

Firefighters stationed at Mulgrave Street were deployed to their first bonfire at 5.30pm on Tuesday. In total, there were in excess of 20 reported bonfires across Limerick city. This is understood to be a low figure in comparison to previous years. 

Emergency services attended bonfires at Talbot Avenue, StMary's Park, Sycamore Avenue, Grove Island, Kilmallock Road, Ballynanty, Clarina Avenue, Johnsgate Villas, Ballycannon Heights, Dublin Road, The Old Racecourse on Dock Road, Tara Court, Greenhill Road and Whitehorn Drive, Caherdavin.

There was one single incident where firefighters were confronted by a group of youths while attending a scene at Clarina Avenue. It is understood that the youths threw a range of objects, including stones, at the appliances which left the scene undamaged.

The Leader understands that there were no reported injuries.

At 6.30pm, Limerick Fire Service were dispatched to the scene of a fire at St Mary’s Park where children as young a six were seen playing in the vicinity of bonfires. Some were seen by the Leader bringing, furniture and toys such as scooters and bikes to add to the fires.

In Garryowen, a number of youths were seen attempting to start a fire in the green using plastic and timber as fuel.

One of the largest bonfires is located at Hyde Avenue, Ballinacurra, where a significant amount of rubbish including mattresses, chairs and tires were set alight.

It is understood that bonfire activity quietened down at around midnight, with just one incident after 3am on Wednesday.