Denis Desmond speaks on Phoenix Park incidents

The Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the nine stabbings that took place on Saturday during the Swedish House Mafia gig in the Phoenix Park to contact them at (01) 666 7000.
One man in his 20s also died during the concert from a suspected drugs overdose.
“Obviously we are very disappointed that an individual or very small number of individuals engaged in anti-social behaviour, attempting to spoil the enjoyment of others,” says MCD Managing Director Denis Desmond. “Such behaviour is certainly not reflective of the vast majority of the 45,000 fans who were extremely well behaved and should be congratulated. Unfortunately, anti-social behaviour has become more and more part of daily society with no town or village across the country escaping such conduct.
“As event promoters we work extremely closely with An Gardai Siochana and fully support their tactical operations in combating anti-social behaviour. Public safety is always our number one priority and we actively engage in detailed planning in advance to ensure this. Ticket holders entering the site were subject to a search permissible by law. Every precaution as far as possible was taken to ensure the safety and security of the audience at all times. All CCTV footage captured from the area has been supplied to the Gardai.
“Despite our best efforts – with Security and Gardai personnel levels well in excess of the required numbers for a licensed event of this size – there is only so much one can do to combat anti-social behaviour.
“An Gardai Siochana have already made an arrest and we are continuing to fully co-operate with them therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage of their investigation however in the meantime we would like to wish those affected a full and speedy recovery.”
As for the fatality, Desmond continues: “We are extremely shocked and saddened to hear that a male adult while attending the concert on Saturday 7th July suddenly took ill and later passed away in hospital.”
The 23-year-old man arrested as part of the investigation into the stabbings is appearing in the Criminal Courts of Justice at 10.30am this morning.
While the others have been discharged, two stab victims said to be in a serious condition remain in hospital.
Saturday’s events were in stark contrast to the Stone Roses’ opening Phoenix Park gig where there wasn’t a single arrest, and our man Craig Fitzsimons reporting a carnival atmosphere at last night’s Snow Patrol/Florence + The Machine double-header.
Stay tuned to hotpress.com for updates.