The organisers of Carrickmacross’ annual Halloween Fireworks display and party have confirmed that the event will be taking place at the Carrick Emmets GAA grounds again this year and that they expect it to be bigger and better than ever. The ‘Féile Samhain’ event was first organised by Carrickmacross Town Co
nd CarrickmacrossTown Council staff. uncil, on the proposal of Cllr. Matt Carthy, in 2005 after there was particularly bad experiences with anti-social behaviour at the previous
year’s Halloween. A small committee co-ordinates the annual event with great assistance from An Gardaí Siochána, the Civil Defence, the Carrickmacross Festival Committee, Carrickmacross Youth Club and the Carrick Emmet’s GAA club along with other groups and individuals. The event has been going from strength to strength in its short life thanks to financial assistance from the Town Council.
Speaking this week Sinn Féin Councillor Matt Carthy made an appeal to parents and young people with regard to fireworks and anti-social behaviour in the run-up to Halloween. Cllr. Carthy said that Fireworks are a recurring problem year after year and there is a great danger of someone’s home being set on fire or an oil tank going on fire putting lives at risk. The problem is compounded by the fact that many fireworks which are sold illegally fail to meet even the most basic of safety standards.
Cllr. Carthy said that young people are entitled to enjoy themselves but not by putting lives at risk. He said that in Carrickmacross there was an alternative to the use of illegal fireworks with the successful ‘Féile Samhain’ Fireworks display and Halloween party. “Most towns throughout the country are envious that we have an event like this in South Monaghan and I urge families and people of all ages to attend the event on Halloween evening and ensure it is a success once again” Cllr. Carthy said.
He continued: “A massive state-of-the-art Fireworks display will take place at the Emmet centre on Halloween evening. This, in my view, is a great alternative for parents and young people who may have otherwise considered purchasing dangerous illegal fireworks”.
The organising committee have reminded everyone to attend the event in Fancy Dress if they have a costume as prizes will be presented to the best dressed children and adults on the night.
