Disorderly behaviour escalated tonight in the Holylands as hundreds of revellers took part in a “street rave” on Palestine Street. Police and University officials looked on helplessly as young people sang and danced along with music blaring from one of the houses. It has been alleged that the house in question was not a student house.
BY CATHERINE WYLIE AND BRENDAN HUGHES
From approximately 5pm, the Holylands became rowdier, with the alcohol intake inevitably taking effect. Crowds of revellers gathered outside houses on Rugby Avenue, Agincourt Avenue, Carmel Street, Jerusalem Street and Palestine Street, with Rugby Avenue arguably the worst. Young people took to the middle of Rugby Avenue for a rendition of ‘Rock the Boat’, which then turned into the Irish national anthem. One young man mooned in the middle of the street before being unsuccessfully chased by a police officer.
BY CATHERINE WYLIE
The University’s hope for a calm and peaceful St. Patrick’s Day looks set to succeed, as by early afternoon the Holylands remains relatively calm. From a walk around the area, stopping to speak to various revellers, The Gown learned that quite a few of those celebrating were not students at all. As is the case every year, groups of students are gathered in front gardens drinking. Police officers are patrolling the Holylands in groups, and student officers are encouraging revellers to spend their day in the Union.
BY CATHERINE WYLIE AND BRENDAN HUGHES