By Sean Moriarty

Superintendent Flor Murphy of the Killarney Garda Division and the Health Service Executive are asking people to act in a responsible manner in anticipation of large crowds in the town over the coming days.

It's the final weekend of the summer holidays, coupled with the expectations of good weather and the All-Ireland football semi-final and local Gardai are expecting a busy weekend in the town.

They will have an increased presence in the town tomorrow (Saturday) as Kerry face Tyrone at 3.30pm and town centre pubs are expected to be packed for the occasion.

The last weekend of August is a traditionally busy one in town as holidaymakers take the last opportunity to enjoy the summer holidays before schools reopen fully next week. It is also a Bank Holiday weekend in Britain and many London-based Kerry people are home for the first time since travel restrictions began.

“There were concerns that a lot of people were in the towns of Cork and Limerick for the All-Ireland Hurling final last Sunday,” Superintendent Murphy told the Killarney Advertiser. “We ask people to behave in a reasonable manner and be responsible for their own actions.”

STAYING SAFE

Meanwhile Dr Margaret O’Sullivan, Specialist in Public Health Medicine at the Department of Public Health HSE South, asked everyone planning to watch the match, at home or elsewhere, to do so safely. She also reminded supporters that we all need to be careful, even if fully vaccinated.

“I know that everyone is looking forward to Saturday's game and hopefully to some celebration afterwards. We encourage everyone to remember to socialise safely – if you are meeting up with others you should do so in small groups and outdoors if at all possible. If there are crowds, we need to keep our distance from others and wear a mask. If you don’t feel safe, think about moving to somewhere less crowded and with good ventilation, so that you can enjoy the game in safety and comfort,” Dr O’Sullivan said.

“We have high rates of community spread in most parts of Ireland right now, so if you are travelling to the match or watching it with others this weekend, do not be complacent about COVID-19. It is so important that we all remain vigilant and continue to follow the public health measures that we are all so familiar with, even if we’re vaccinated. And for anyone who is not vaccinated, please take extra care this weekend.”