A video by Leitrim Comhairle na nÓg youths will be used by gardaí to help promote the ‘Use your Brain Not Your Fists’ campaign.
The video depicts the dangers of using violence in an argument and the consequences of assaults which can devastate lives forever.
The campaign was launched at the Bush Hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim today. The video is so strong and educational, it prompted District Court Judge Kevin Kilrane to suspend the court sitting to attend the launch himself, in order to support and enforce the campaign.
L-R: Jodie O’ Boyle, Arlene Beirne, Sgt Kelvin Courtney and Ned Sweeney.
(Photo: Brian Farrell, Sligo/Leitrim Garda Division)
Leitrim Comhairle na nÓg decided to launch the campaign following a decision at their AGM. The youths were inspired and motivated to produce the video following the death of Carrick on Shannon’s Andrew Dolan who died after an unprovoked attack and Shane Grogan from Tuam who suffered catastrophic brain injury after an attack.
The campaign targets over 18’s and is aimed to bring home the fact that a quick violent action/reaction can devastate lives forever. ‘Use Your Brain Not Your Fist’ outlines the consequences of assaults, not just to the victims in terms of injury, but also to the perpetrators, in terms of prison, lost career and travel prospects and shame to themselves and their families.
Leitrim Comhairle na nÓg said there was a need to educate teenagers at an earlier age, so they came up with the idea of making a video for their peers.
Mr. Joseph Gilhooly, A Commissioner Finbarr O Brien, Mr. Joe Dolan, Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken
(Photo: Brian Farrell, Sligo/Leitrim Garda Division)
The video is dedicated to Shane Grogan and is in memory of Andrew Dolan, two victims of unprovoked attacks. Andrew Dolan, from Carrick-on-Shannon, died days after he was assaulted in Mullingar in December 2011, while Shane Grogan has been left brain damaged after an attack in August 2012.
An Garda Síochána support and endorse the campaign and it is expected to be rolled out nationwide to be viewed in schools and as part of the garda’s Community Safety promotional and awareness campaigns.
Gardaí and Public Representatives at the launch.
(Photo: Brian Farrell, Sligo/Leitrim Garda Division)
Cathoirleach of Leitrim County Council Councillor Finola Armstrong McGuire, Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council said “politicians are taking a stand with our young people to stamp out violence”.
Garda Chief Superintendent Aiden Glacken spoke of the courage of the young people to create this film. “It is hoped that this video will touch the minds of young people and help them to engage their brains and walk away from any altercation and to not partake in violence, as a simple punch can devastate lives.”
Follow Emergency Times on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat & LinkedIn @emergencytimes
