Galway Gardaí appeal to Junior Certs not to ‘go wild’

Galway Gardaí have asked both parents and teenagers to ensure that Wednesday night’s Junior Cert ‘celebrations’ go ahead without any public order incidents or under-age drinking escapades.

Gardaí at Mill Street Station said that while they will have extra personnel deployed to deal with any incidents arising, they weren’t anticipating any major problems, especially if parents and students took a responsible attitude.

“This is a big night-out for the Junior Cert students and it is entirely appropriate that they have events to mark the occasion that are properly organised and run.

“They’re entitled to enjoy their night out, but like the organisers of the main disco events, Gardaí will be operating a zero tolerance policy in relation to alcohol, drugs, public order and anti-social behaviour,” said a city Garda spokesman.

He said that over the years the main disco celebration events were ‘extremely well organised’ and it also had to be noted that ‘99%’ of those attending were well behaved and just went out and enjoyed themselves.

“Our first appeal is to the Junior Cert students themselves and secondly to the parents and guardians. We would say to parents to drop off at the disco and pick up promptly when the event is over – don’t leave anyone waiting or hanging around,” said the Garda spokesman.

The National Parents Council and drinkaware.ie warn that the alcohol sourced by under-age drinkers is either bought for them by other people or taken from their own homes or their friends’ homes.

An estimated 550-plus teenagers are expected to attend the Pulse disco in Leisureland tomorrow night with tickets available at a cost of €16 each.

Read more in this week’s Connacht Sentinel