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Killarney Gardai tackle recreational drug use

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EXCLUSIVE

 

By Sean Moriarty

 

Provisional figures show that over 250 people were found to be in possession of illegal drugs in Killarney last year - an increase of 38 percent of the previous years 185.

 

Local gardai concentrated their efforts on tackling the use of recreational drugs, particularly during busy weekend activity and at night.

 

The local effort, named ‘Operation Snow’, was all part of a large-scale enforcement initiative in an effort to tackle recreational drug use in the town.

 

Local gardai particularly targeted the busy night-time trade in Killarney and worked closely with the owners and management of late bars and night clubs.

 

Plain clothes officers operated in late night venues and in adjoining car parks and laneways.

 

“I want to acknowledge the support provided by the licenced trade to this initiative,” Superintendent Flor Murphy told the Killarney Advertiser. “We specifically targeted the night-time economy in Killarney. The use of controlled recreational drugs goes hand in hand with the night-time economy in Killarney.”

 

Supt Murphy confirmed that the majority of those caught with drugs were from out of town, and that cocaine was the most common drug seized during weekends.

 

“There was a significant number of detections in relation to locals too,” Supt Murphy added. “All of these people will face prosecution, but in the case of young people, they will be dealt with under the Garda Youth Diversion Scheme.”

 

Drug Driving

 

There was also increased enforcement on the roads in Killarney in relation to illegal drugs consumption and the number of motorists caught driving while under the influence of drugs also increased. Last year 19 people were arrested compared to just six in 2018, and this also reflects national trends.

 

Local gardai also gave talks to the town’s secondary school students in relation to illegal drugs and this is ongoing.

 

“This was about preventative measures, education and awareness rather than law enforcement,” he said.

 

“Tackling the supply and use of controlled drugs will be a priority for Killarney Gardai in 2020 and a variety of strategies will be utilised to achieve this, both in terms of enforcement and education.”

 

Members of the public can use the ‘See Something/Say Something’ initiative in a confidential manner to Gardai in relation to drugs by texting ‘KILLARNEY’ and your message to 50555.

 

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Busy week for politics students at The Sem 

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It was a busyweek for Mr Declan O’Donoghue’s Politics and Society classes at St Brendan’s College, with visits from national leaders followed by a trip to Leinster House.

On Monday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin visited the school, where he met students and staff and toured the facilities. He held a question-and-answer session with senior Politics students, discussing national and international issues and the value of young people engaging in public life. The Taoiseach described St Brendan’s as a school with a long and proud 165-year tradition and praised its commitment to opportunity and learning.

The class also welcomed Ministers Norma Foley and Michael Healy-Rae, Senator Mark Daly and Kerry TDs Michael Cahill and Danny Healy-Rae.

On Tuesday, the fifth and sixth year classes travelled to Dáil Éireann, where they visited the Seanad and committee rooms and observed proceedings on what was a busy day, with the Cabinet reshuffle taking place. The trip was facilitated by Deputy Danny Healy-Rae.

The visit was supported by Ms Kelleher, Mrs Gorman and Mrs Sweetman.

Busy week for politics students at The Sem 

An Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD with Hugh Rudden Deputy Principal, Lorna Larkin Chairperson Board of Management, Bridget Lucey Deputy Principal and Sean Coffey Principal during An Taoiseach’s visit to St Brendan’s College Killarney on Monday. Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin

It was a busyweek for Mr Declan O’Donoghue’s Politics and Society classes at St Brendan’s College, with visits from national leaders followed by a trip to Leinster House.

On Monday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin visited the school, where he met students and staff and toured the facilities. He held a question-and-answer session with senior Politics students, discussing national and international issues and the value of young people engaging in public life. The Taoiseach described St Brendan’s as a school with a long and proud 165-year tradition and praised its commitment to opportunity and learning.

The class also welcomed Ministers Norma Foley and Michael Healy-Rae, Senator Mark Daly and Kerry TDs Michael Cahill and Danny Healy-Rae.

On Tuesday, the fifth and sixth year classes travelled to Dáil Éireann, where they visited the Seanad and committee rooms and observed proceedings on what was a busy day, with the Cabinet reshuffle taking place. The trip was facilitated by Deputy Danny Healy-Rae.

The visit was supported by Ms Kelleher, Mrs Gorman and Mrs Sweetman.

St Brendan’s College Choir performing for An Taoiseach Micheal Martin TD during his visit to St Brendan’s College Killarney onMonday. Photo by Michelle Cooper Galvin

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West End House raises €1,500 for Palestine

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Charlie Hughes, Head Tutor at West End House School of Arts, performed a one-man show that he co-wrote with Patrick Sutton.

The event was in aid of Palestine and a massive €1,500 was raised in aid of the charities on the ground.

The play, titled ISCARIOT, offers an alternative exploration of the enigma of Judas.

It centres on a version of the character who is still alive 2,000 years later, punishing himself daily in search of the forgiveness he desperately craves.

“Salvation, however, lies in forgiving himself… what would you have done in his place?” the description reads.

Classes for the next term at West End House School of Arts begin in January, and courses can be booked through their website.

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