Friday, April 15, 2011

Roscommon priest's shock at youth drunkenness

A west of Ireland priest who has returned to parish work in Ireland after working on the missions, has said he is so shocked at the increase in under-age drinking in his rural parish that he has called an open forum to discuss the problem and formulate alternative activities for young people.

Fr Joe Poole, who works in Ballymoe and Ballintubber in County Roscommon, said he had seen a lot in his fourteen years as a priest and worked in Africa but “did not expect to see such high levels of underage drinking.”

“It is across rural Ireland and cannot be a taboo subject any longer - it needs to be tackled.”

Fr Poole, who has been in his parish for fifteen months, raised the issue with parishioners at Masses, and stressed he does not want to seen to be criticising parents who are doing their best. 

“But we need to look at the ways to stop underage drinking being so common,” he said. 

“The majority of people are aware of what is going on and the response has been tremendous, with parents saying that they will give their support and help to any initiatives that are decided on,” he added.

“We need to find alternatives for our young people, so that this behaviour does not continue.”

“If we make a space where young people can have fun, enjoy themselves in a safe and alcohol free environment then we will be well on our way in tackling this issue,” Fr Poole suggested.

Addressing parishioners, he said it was important that drinking responsibly over the age of 18 was promoted. 

“I have a couple of pints at the weekend, I drink responsibly and that is very important.”

“We need to educate our young people and hopefully, along with the local secondary schools, we can let them see that they do not have to drink alcohol to have fun.  This is not about scolding the young people, it is about educating them and being constructive,” Fr Poole remarked.

He said he wants to host an open meeting where all parents and teenagers could get involved in coming up with ideas and alternatives for young people.