The recent sports event organized by the Gaelic Athletic Association at the Markets Field faced significant challenges, calling for practical and effective measures to control the crowd. The program on Sunday was demanding, leading to a larger turnout than expected. However, inadequate arrangements by the committee resulted in a subpar execution of the sports. Frustrated spectators had valid reasons to express their dissatisfaction.
Competitors endured numerous difficulties due to a frequently blocked track, forcing cyclists to risk their safety. As a powerful and influential organization, the Gaelic Athletic Association should strive to prevent such disappointing exhibitions. While the local committee did their best, the shortcomings of Sunday’s event should serve as a lesson for future gatherings.
Two significant hindrances impacted crowd control during the event. Firstly, the absence of a grandstand hindered proper order, particularly on the higher-priced side of the field. It would be prudent for the syndicate overseeing the field to promptly address this issue by erecting one or even two stands. Failure to do so in the near future may result in the abandonment of sports at the Markets Field.
Secondly, the absence of assistance from the constabulary proved problematic. While some may prefer national sports to be conducted without police presence, the disposition of the crowd on Sunday indicated the need for corrective measures against disorderly tendencies. The reason behind the police’s absence has been partially explained. Officials associated with the sports previously solicited and obtained a cup from the local police force. However, the majority of the Athletic County Board rejected this action, citing a violation of association rules, and the cup was returned.
Late on Saturday evening, a request was made for a number of constables to maintain order at the field and its surroundings, aiming to prevent unauthorized entry by individuals seeking to bypass admission fees. The polite refusal of this request has sparked debate on whether the police authorities were justified. However, it emphasizes the lack of common ground between the constabulary and the national sentiments of the country until local control is established in Ireland.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 20 September 1904
