‘Brats & tramps’ behind mini-riot in Knocknacarra

Date Published: 03-Nov-2009

UP to 250 teenagers who were responsible for a ‘mini riot’ in Knocknacarra on Halloween night – which involved windows being smashed and cars stoned – have been branded “spoilt brats and little tramps” by a city councillor.

However, the local Garda Superintendent has said just a small handful of the group were a troublesome element, and has argued that he had enough resources on duty on Saturday night to deal with the trouble.

Windows of a Bus Éireann bus and at Cotter’s shop on the Shangort Road were smashed, while stones, eggs and fireworks were thrown at cars and passersby.

And another local councillor described Saturday as the worst night of trouble in the area in his 23 years living there. In fact, one local resident who suggested forming a posse’ to deal with the youths, was talked down by the councillor.

Cllr Donal Lyons told the Sentinel: “It was nothing short of hooliganism. They were on the rampage. It was a mini-riot. I’m 23 years in Knocknacarra, and it was the worst night ever.

“At one stage, there were around 70 of them in the driveway of an elderly person’s house. Windows were broken, cars were egged and stoned, Buckfast bottles were thrown.

“If this had been dealt with by the guards early on Saturday afternoon when these teenagers began to congregate, then the trouble may not have happened.

For more see page 3 of The Sentinel