Naomh Mearnog make Portmarnock beach safe

Local GAA club Naomh Mearnóg are set to ‘Make A Safe Space’, with club volunteers guarding a 2km stretch of Portmarnock Beach at night.

Over 20 members of Naomh Mearnóg GAA Club, wearing hi-vis jackets and carrying torches will be spaced 100m apart, covering a distance of 2km, this Saturday, January 22, for 1 hour from 6.30pm to 7.30pm along the length of Portmarnock Beach.

The club will keep the 2km stretch safe (starting in front of The Globe) so that locals can still stroll, walk or run on the beach even though it will be dark.

Portmarnock beach is a very popular local amenity but in winter months, dark nights force the community to look for exercise elsewhere.

Naomh Mearnóg is a large club within Portmarnock, with teams playing in all codes and a hugely popular nursery.

Carol Lambert, Chairperson of Ladies Football who is organising the event, is encouraging anyone male/female/young/old to make use of that hour and get out for some fresh air.

“If anyone would like to go for a jog, or take a stroll from 6.30pm to 7.30pm next Saturday, we will be along a 2km stretch where you can enjoy the beach,” Carol told Northside People.

“We’d love more volunteers to get in touch with us and help to keep that 2km safe until the end of the month.”

Club Chairman, Cecil Ryan said:

“The Club are delighted to support this great community initiative and we hope that as many people as possible will avail of the opportunity created by the volunteers involved.”

Anyone wishing to volunteer is encouraged to contact [email protected].

Also members of the public are encouraged to use the beach while the volunteers are there for safety.