Match motorists who parked badly on N5 will be towed away

THE gardaí have warned they will be 'red-carding' motorists who park dangerously or irresponsibly at Saturday's Mayo v Kerry match at MacHale Park.

A huge turnout – over 10,000 – is expected for the joust, which kicks off under lights at 7.15 p.m.

But the contest has created significant health and safety concerns due to football fans parking on the hard shoulder of the N5 as it approaches Castlebar.

Fears have been raised of possible injuries, even death, as fans leave and return to their vehicles under cover of darkness.

The gardaí, GAA and Mayo County Council have been consulting over the issue in the past week.

Castlebar Community Engagement Superintendent Kevin Gately says parking by fans along the N5 is not recommended for health and safety reasons.

“We’d ask all match goers, particularly those with children, to be very safety conscious and follow instructions of stewards and gardaí. Allow sufficient time to park and walk to MacHale Park and enjoy the evening safely, remembering the large number of young children who will be there,” he said.

There will be ample free car parking for fans within the environs of Castlebar itself, including the town's military barracks.

“Most supporters do not wear reflective jackets,” he observed. “They will be coming to town wearing hats and scarves. As it will be dark, visibility will be an issue.

“Not every motorist along the N5 on Saturday evening will realise there is a football match on.”

Supt. Gately warned that any vehicle causing an obstruction or dangerously parked on Saturday evening will be towed away.

Extra gardai to enforce the stricter parking policy will be on duty for Saturday's game.

Road safety officer Noel Gibbons added: “We would advise all fans who are attending the game to avail of official car parking spaces available which are highlighted on the map been circulated and if your walking please make yourself visible to other road users.”