Westport pubs may install security amid fears of feud violence

PUBS in the Westport area have moved to secure their premises amid fears of violence surrounding an upcoming charity climb of Croagh Patrick.

A group of local publicans have decided to ‘look after their own doors’, as members of feuding families are expected to descend on the West Mayo town in the coming days.

A policing plan has been put in place to deal with the potential outbreak of violence ahead of Saturday, July 22. On that day, well-known UK-based personality Paddy Doherty, a former former bare-knuckle boxer, will climb Croagh Patrick to raise money for an orphanage.

Since the climb was announced, videos have emerged of several other people ‘calling out’ rivals and challenging each other to undertake the climb on July 22 for various causes.

This has sparked fears that violent confrontation could erupt between various groups because of underlying disputes.

One local publican told The Mayo News that his premises will be installing private security from Thursday, July 20, through Sunday, July 23, due to concerns about anti-social behaviour.

The publican estimated that local businesses are set to lose thousands of euros in revenue due to the enhanced precautions, which coincide with the busy tourist season.

“Most of pubs in Westport are getting their own security,” the publican said.

In a video posted on Facebook on Sunday, Mr Doherty repeatedly urged people not to cause trouble at the renowned pilgrimage site. He said that anyone engaging in violence would bringing shame on their families.

“I’m asking you, it goes for Travellers and non-Travellers, I’m not asking you, I’m begging you, please don’t start trouble at this walk,” he stated.

“Please, anyone who’s got issues with anyone, leave it. That day of all days, let it bypass,” added Mr Doherty, who is a former winner of Celebrity Big Brother.

The Mayo News understands that several people intending to undertake the climb have already arrived in Westport, with more due to arrive in the coming days.

Several caravans were moved on last weekend from a road beside Abbvie (formerly known as Allergan). The road was left in a clean state and has since been closed off to traffic.

Yesterday, ten campervans and trailers were parked in a public area at The Quay in Westport.

Local county councillor Christy Hyland has called for the Gardaí to have adequate human resources in place to deal with any outbreaks of violence. He and and other local representatives held a meeting with local gardaí yesterday (Monday) to discuss the situation.

“I hope that the Gardaí will have the resources available should any untoward situation develop, because these feuds have occurred around the country,” the former garda told The Mayo News. “They can end up in very serious violence. I’m calling on the Gardaí to have the resources available if the need arises. At the end of the day, these feuds cost the taxpayers of Ireland a lot of money due to the policing resources that have to be put into them, and the follow up investigations.”

One local garda source told The Mayo News that forecast inclement weather may affect the numbers of people climbing Croagh Patrick on Saturday.

“You could have a potential flashpoint; that’s if they show,” said the source.

Mayo Live has contacted Pavee Point for a comment on the matter.