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05 Sept 2025
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05 Sept 2025
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Gardaí were forced to shut down a 21st birthday party in Longford town at the weekend after almost 80 people were found to be disobeying social distancing protocols
Heightening fears over a lack of social distancing among the wider public prompted gardaí to shut down a house party in the Midlands on Saturday night.
Officers were forced to step in after receiving reports of rowdy behaviour coming from a house in Longford town.
It is understood that up to 80 youngsters had crammed into the property in the centre of town where a 21st birthday party was taking place despite repeated calls from government and HSE chiefs for members of the public to refrain from holding large gatherings.
It's also believed a small bar had been set up at the back of the house and involved a family that are involved in an ongoing feud in Longford.
The family, who are well known to gardaí, are also heavily involved in money laundering, drug dealing and violent crime.
"They are a scourge and a blight on community at the best of times and now they are a real threat to the health of the Longford community," said a garda source.
It comes after sustained and repeated warnings came from Health Minister Simon Harris and HSE bosses over the weekend for people to desist from meeting in large groups.
Mr Harris is among a growing number of politicians, healthcare professionals and social media users who have criticised people who flocked to pubs, despite the Department of Health urging the public to social distancing in a bid to tackle the spread of the virus.
He urged the public to think of those of frontline health workers and those who are vulnerable.
"Not far from here, nurses and doctors are working to prepare for the impact of a global pandemic," he said.
"Everyone is working 24/7. This is an insult to their efforts. There is very clear public health advice. Follow it."
The garda source said following last weekend's incident in Longford town, there were now real and tangible fears the episode could have put the safety of the local community in danger.
"Dozens of families could be at risk now because of it," added the source.
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