Gardai pleased with Marlay Park shows

The Gardai have praised “the good behaviour” of the 50,000-plus fans who attended the Marlay Park series of gigs last week.
“An Garda Síochána and promoters MCD have worked closely together with the other stakeholders to ensure that patrons had a safe and enjoyable experience,” says by Sergeant Anthony Connaughton. “The three concerts which went off without any serious issues. Concert-goer's have been subject to searches. A considerable amount of alcohol was seized or surrender by patrons as they entered the venue.
“A number of patrons were refused entry for reasons outlined as a condition of entry. Over 412 ticket holders under 17 obtained an advance refund offered by MCD for David Guetta as this concert was a strictly an over 17 year event as stated on ticket.”

The arrest rate was:

Kasabian + Noel Gallagher’s High-Flying Birds – 18 people

David Guetta – 35 people

Van Morrison + Tom Jones – None

These arrests were for public order, and minor drug offences.

“I was asked to empty the contents of my pockets into a plastic bag and was checked with a hand-held metal detector,” says our man in Marlay Craig Fitzpatrick. “It was all very quickly and professionally done. There were also sniffer dogs nearby who’d presumably have detected anyone trying to enter the arena with drugs on them.”