Sir, – In light of recent negative disclosures about the Garda Síochána, I wish to acknowledge and congratulate the force on its professional and sensitive management of the Longitude festival in Marlay Park in Dublin. My sister and I (who are in the older age category and not usual festival-goers) attended the Longitude festival last Saturday while celebrating a family event. We observed gardaí who were kind, good humoured and understanding towards a great number of young people, many of whom had clearly consumed large amounts of alcohol and were either in high spirits or feeling the worse for wear. We observed a female garda holding and reassuring a young girl who was unwell. Other gardaí posed for photos and later ensured that everyone got out safely. It was all done with professionalism and endless patience. – Yours, etc,
CARMEL GALLAGHER,
Dublin 9.
Sir, – Some latitude on the festival that is Longitude would be greatly appreciated by those living in the vicinity of the usually beautiful, tranquil Marlay Park. – Yours, etc,
MICHELLE WALSHE,
Rathfarnham,
Dublin 16.