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Killarney Gardai tackle recreational drug use

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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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Gardaí appeal for witnesses in Castleisland crash

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A woman in her 70s was critically injured following a single-vehicle car crash at Lisheenbaun, Castleisland.

The accident occurred at 11.40pm on Wednesday, December 10.

The female driver and sole occupant of the car was removed from the scene to Kerry University Hospital.

She remains in critical condition.

The road is closed pending a technical examination to be conducted by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators.

Local diversions are in place via Currow Village.

The N21 Castleisland–Tralee and N22 Tralee–Farranfore roads are not affected.
 
Gardaí are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to come forward.
 
Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the N23 in the Lisheenbaun, Castleisland area between 11:20pm and 11:50pm are asked to make it available to investigating Gardaí.
 
Anyone with information is asked to contact Killarney Garda Station on 064-6671160, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
 
Investigations are ongoing.

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New sports kit presented to Knockaderry National School

Knockaderry Farranfore National School received a new set of football and basketball jerseys and shorts this week, sponsored by the Manor West Hotel in Tralee and produced by MFC Sports. […]

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Knockaderry Farranfore National School received a new set of football and basketball jerseys and shorts this week, sponsored by the Manor West Hotel in Tralee and produced by MFC Sports.

The presentation was made by Manor West Hotel General Manager Ruth O’Sullivan and Senior Kerry footballer Joe O’Connor, who is Munster Area Development Manager with MFC Sports.
Pupils decorated the school hall in green and gold for the occasion and were excited to meet the visitors. The school thanked Manor West Hotel for its generous support and said the new kit will be well used in upcoming games.
“The children enjoyed the visit and decorated the hall in green and gold in anticipation of the presentation. The BOM and staff wish to thank Ruth and Manor West Hotel for their very generous sponsorship. The kit will certainly be put to good use,” said school principal Áine Daly.

Manor West Hotel said it was pleased to support the school and promote children’s sport and wellbeing. Knockaderry Farranfore NS, founded in 1888, now operates beside Farranfore GAA facilities, which the school uses regularly for training and matches.
“I would like to thank Joe and the MFC team for their incredible assistance in designing the kit. Who knows, we might even have a future Kerry All Ireland winner among us,” said Ruth O’Sullivan, General Manager, Manor West Hotel.

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