Hundreds visit major Limerick Garda Security and Safety event at mart

FARMERS who headed to a busy Kilmallock Mart on bank holiday Monday to buy or sell cattle also came home with lots of information for free.

Many mart attendees visited a Limerick Garda Farm Safety and Security event with a focus on mental health and rural isolation.

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It was orchestrated by Sergeant Michelle O'Halloran, Crime Prevention Officer for Limerick and Inspector Gearoid Thompson, in conjunction with gardai from Limerick County Community Engagement Area.

“Hundreds of people attending the bank holiday Monday mart had the opportunity to meet gardai and get security and farm safety advice,” said Insp Thompson.

Gardai were joined by Muintir na Tire and Diarmuid Cronin was on hand to display their laser property marking machine which was availed of by many.  This initiative involves marking valuables with unique identifiers, like a driving licence number, to act as a deterrent to theft and help with recovering the items if they are stolen.

“Property marking is a very valuable crime prevention tool and is encouraged for all,” said Insp Thompson.

Limerick Garda Roads Policing were also out in force at the mart. They brought a high-performance Nexus VW Golf R. It was seized by gardai a number of years ago during an operation that uncovered large volumes of illegal drugs and is now used for road safety education. The Nexus was a big hit with young Cian Browne Vaughan from Effin.

The gardai gave practical road safety advice to farmers and how not to end up in court!

Also in attendance, in support of An Garda Siochana, were National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) staff. Regional manager Aine Lynch was on hand to give advice on the protection of wildlife and tips to deal with illegal trespassers. The illegal hunting of hares and badgers is prevalent at this time of year.

Attendees also had the opportunity to meet and chat with organisations who had stands - Limerick Mental Health Service, Embrace Farm and the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association. Their focus was on mental health, rural isolation and bereavement advice. Limerick IFA chair Louise Crowley, Minister of State Niall Collins and Cllr Tommy O’Sullivan were three of many to stop by the garda stand.

Summing up the day at the mart, Insp Thompson said it was an excellent collaborative effort.

“Hundreds had the opportunity to meet local gardai and be made aware of very valuable services. We plan to travel all around the county to meet with local groups, discussing text alert, property marking, and illegal trespassers and more,” said Insp Thompson, who complimented Sgt O’Halloran who he said has “brought huge energy to crime prevention, in particular,  to rural communities”.