The homecoming was organised jointly by Clare County Council, Ennis Town Council, The Gardai and the GAA. O’Connell Square in Ennis has been the traditional venue for public meetings and public events going back to Daniel O’Connell and Éamonn DeValera.
More recently protest marches were held at the Square.
Arrangements for the event had to be made at relatively short notice and plans for crowd safety were a priority for the organisers. T
This was a public celebratory event and the numbers attending was very much influenced by the fact that the team won the match on Sunday.
The use of Cusack Park was considered but in the absence of adequate lighting this venue was ruled out.
The use of Abbey Street Car Park was also considered and was deemed unsuitable for this particular event because of the restrictions on car parking during business hours prior to the event and also because of safety concerns due to the proximity of the river.
The Gardai, who were supported by stewards and civil defence personnel, put crowd control arrangements in place.
Crowd control barriers were erected at key points on the streets in order to control and manage the numbers of people who were situated in the general area of O’Connell Square.
There was a Garda presence at these barriers and at key locations before, during and after the event.
The Gardai report that the event went off without incident and they experienced no difficulties from a crowd management perspective.
People that arrived early for the event took up the most advantageous viewing positions.
The event was scheduled to commence at 7.30pm and proceedings did commence promptly.
For future events involving large crowds of people the safety of persons attending will be assessed as heretofore, having regard to the nature of the event and the expected attendance.
While O’Connell Square has been the traditional venue in Ennis for public events it may be necessary to break with this long tradition and hold events at different locations in Ennis or its environs.
