Garda hospitalised following incident involving fireworks in Offaly on Halloween
The public order incident occurred in Clonbullogue on Saturday, October 31
A Garda has been hospitalised following a public order incident involving fireworks over the Halloween weekend in Clonbullogue, Offaly.
An Garda Síochána released a statement after the incident which read: “Gardaí and the Fire Service in County Offaly attended the scene of a fire-related public order incident in Clonbullogue at 21:40pm on Saturday, October 31.”
It continued: “While in attendance, a member of An Garda Síochána was injured by a firework and taken to Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, for treatment.”
Gardaí also confirmed that enquiries into the incident are currently ongoing.
‘Clonbullogue News’ Facebook page wrote a post condemning the events which occurred in the village at the weekend.
They said: “Saturday night’s events in Clonbullogue were an absolute disgrace. What unfolded was not harmless Halloween fun, not high spirits and certainly not something that residents should be expected to tolerate.”
The page also described what unfolded over the course of the evening. “For several hours, a large group of approximately 20 young men and at least two young women engaged in sustained disorder throughout the locality, involving fireworks, burning hay/straw bales, intimidation and dangerous behaviour.”
“A Garda member, whose responsibility is to protect the public, was struck in the face by a firework while dealing with this disorder. This is an appalling and potentially extremely serious assault.”
The ‘Clonbullogue News’ page concluded their post by saying that action must be taken so that local residents are able to feel safe in their homes and within the community.
“We want to see those responsible identified and held accountable. We also want to see a visible Garda presence in the area to reassure residents and prevent a repeat of what happened.”
They added: “Clonbullogue is a community, not a playground for intimidation and lawlessness. Enough is enough. Our children and our community deserve better.”
Anyone with any photographs, video footage or information on the incident are being asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station on (057) 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.