Kilkenny students urged to celebrate Leaving Cert night safely and avoid drugs

By COLIN BARTLEY

LEAVING Cert results day is one of the most important moments in a young adult’s life and the night of a massive release from built-up tension of waiting for the results.

Some 1,061 students in Kilkenny received their results today. The vast majority will be celebrating tonight, but they are being urged to celebrate sensibly and get home safely.

And gardai in Kilkenny are urging students to resist the urge to take drugs while out celebrating tonight.

A Garda spokesperson told KilkennyNow.ie: “We know people will be out celebrating the results and we want everyone to have a good night. We urge people celebrating their results not to ingest anything unknown to them.”

Colin Keating, Substance Misuse Co-ordinator, for the HSE at the Ardu Centre in Kilkenny said tonight should be about enjoying yourself and making the right decisions.

“Nobody is trying to tell anyone not to go out and enjoy themselves but everyone should get home safely.

“We have been running a programme, the Safer Socialising Programme, a joint initiative between the Gardai, Tulsa, The Drum and No Name Club and ourselves here at Ardu.

“The aim is to promote safe socialising by asking people to plan ahead and make good decisions.

“We released a poster and wallet card recently called – ‘Going out with friends – P.LA.N’.

“‘P’ represents planning where you will be, phone fully charged and pocket money. ‘L’ stands for let people know where you are, learn your route home, and know your limits.

‘A’ is for arranging a way home, have a trusted adult you can call, and be aware. While ‘N’ means never be alone, have important numbers saved and notice if things are odd.

“The best advice is always have a friend close by if you get too drunk. Always have your buddy with you, as there is safety in numbers.

“We know people are going to go out and do things. It’s just better to do things safely.”