Rise in fleadh arrests due to 'younger demographic'

The rise in crime at this year's Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann was down to a younger demographic attending the event, according to local gardaí.

Speaking at last Monday's meeting of the Westmeath Joint Policing Committee (JPC), Superintendent David Nolan confirmed that the number of people arrested at the fleadh was up on last year's event, but that from a policing perspective the event was a “great success”.

Supt Nolan also thanked Westmeath County Council and other local bodies for their support over the fleadh week, as well as his local colleagues and the members of the force who were drafted in from other parts of the country for the event,which attracted over 600,000 people into the town.

There was universal praise from the JPC members for the gardaí's work during the fleadh.

Cllr Andrew Duncan said that the fleadh was a “PR success” for An Garda Siochana.

“The atmosphere between people attending the fleadh and gardaí on the ground was excellent. There was a very jovial atmosphere that I saw everyday I was there.”

Cllr Ken Glynn said that the gardaí “deserve a huge round of applause” for the work during the fleadh.

“It was great to see their presence throughout the town. It was such an open and welcoming event, which the gardaí played a big part in,” he said.

Cllr Denis Leonard said the visible garda presence and the great atmosphere ensured that “everyone felt safe”.

Minister of State Peter Burke said that the policing of the fleadh was “an exceptional piece of work”.

The chief executive of Westmeath County Council Pat Gallagher thanked An Garda Siochana, his council colleagues, and the representatives from the other state bodies and voluntary organisations who contributed to another successful fleadh in Mullingar.

“The objective that we all shared was that all attendees and visitors would arrive safely, have a safe and enjoyable time while here, and get home safely...We managed to achieve that objective,” he said.