https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/gardai-children-fighting-dublin-breakingnews-18360736Huge 'bare knuckle brawl' in Dublin park involving 50 children made 'mothers with babies run in fear'
EXCLUSIVE: Weeks of violence among young people in Dublin has confirmed that the days of saying 'my child wouldn't do that' are over for good
ByDarragh Berry
NEWS
A huge "bare knuckle brawl" in a family-friendly Dublin park involving as many as 50 children made "mothers with their babies run in fear".
The frightening but sadly extremely common chaos that took place in Ringsend Park at lunchtime on Wednesday has become almost an everyday occurrence among youngsters in the capital.
Sinn Fein TD for Dublin Bay South Chris Andrews has warned those involved that "Ringsend will not be held to ransom by these large groups terrorising locals".
Dublin Live understands that the huge group met up for an organised fight with boys and girls of all ages involved.
Thankfully nobody was injured but it seems like only a matter of time before these planned scraps send somebody to hospital or even worse.
A witness told Dublin Live: "Ringsend Park was invaded by at least 50 children, boys and girls, who were bare knuckle fighting.
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"Gardai arrived quickly and had to literally shout and scream at them to get them to stop and go away.
"It's unsettling to have our lovely park used in such a disturbing way.
"Watching mothers with their babies run in fear is something that we shouldn't have to tolerate or witness in the area."
TD Chris Andrews told Dublin Live that the shocking events in Ringsend overshadowed all the "positive in the community during the lockdown".
He said: "This period has been very difficult for everyone especially young people. And youngsters have been brilliant at getting involved in positive community projects and events.
"So yesterday in Ringsend Park was really disappointing and also frightening for those older people getting in some exercise during the advised hours in the park for those cocooning."
He added: "A number of residents have contacted me about this incident and all said how frightening it was for them and their parents and also for those there with their young children.
"They all felt terrified as there was fighting within the group.
"Parents need to take more responsibility as to where their children are and who they are with.
"The days of saying 'my child wouldn't do that' is over."
He said it was only a "miracle that no one was seriously injured" during this fight.
He continued: "The Gardai managed the situation very well and I have asked the Gardai to confiscate the bikes from anyone caught engaging in this sort of behaviour."
He concluded: "It's important to remember that the public parks are supposed to be for older people and those cocooning between 1:30pm and 3:30om, so many have an expectation that things will be safe.
"Unfortunately this particular group has no respect for older members of the community and that is unacceptable."
A Garda spokesman told Dublin Live: "We responded to reports of a gathering of youths yesterday in Ringsend Park at approximately 1:30pm."
