Teenagers wearing balaclavas threaten Mountmellick residents with verbal and physical abuse
One of the ten fires that were lit in the Smiths Field area of Mountmellick over the past few days
A MOUNTMELLICK resident has been subjected to “vitriolic, physical, verbal and social media taunts” for standing up to those who have been starting several bonfires over the last number of days and weeks.
The resident, who does not wish to be named due to the fear of being targeted, explained that both the fire services and gardaí in the town have continuously been called to the Smiths Field area because of a gang of around 15-20 teenagers setting waste bins, tyres and wooden pallets alight in the run-up to Halloween.
“I am not the only one who has been terrorised by these youths who wear hoodies and balaclavas so they can’t be identified. The green area around Smiths Field is being used by them to escalate trouble and locals can do very little to stop what's happening,” the resident explained.
“Even gardaí,” the resident believes, "are finding it difficult to deal with the youths because it is very difficult to identify them.” More than 400 houses back on to the grassland area which is used by the community and has a soccer club backing on to it, where trouble with fires being set first began in July.
“Multiple fires have been started at different ends of this grassland area and so many people have been subjected to abusive behaviour, along with the gardaí and the county council’s environmental officer,” said the Cullenbeg Park resident.
“Last Friday, two fires were set at either end of the grassland area, leaving gardaí and local authority staff trying to clear them and they received nothing but abuse from the youths causing this trouble. The youngsters think they can do what they like.
“The (Mountmellick United) soccer club in the Cullen Wood area of the grasslands is suffering as a result of this behaviour. Due to the grassland area having so many entrances in and out of it, it is very difficult for gardaí to catch them.
“I understand that at least ten incidents had to be dealt with by the authorities on Halloween night alone. Furniture was even taken from a derelict house to be used for some of the fires which were lit.” The concerned resident explained that because they “stand-up to the youths” they are now being subjected to physical, verbal and online taunts and intimidation.
“My home has been plastered with flour and other things and they think they can do what they like. It’s all because I stand up to them. I’ve had so much crap and hassle from these youths it’s very difficult to take anymore,” the resident revealed.
“I’ve been living in this area for 21 years and now AI images are being circulated on Tik Tok of me because I refuse to allow these hoodie and balaclava wearing youths get away with what they are doing. This is making me feel really uncomfortable.” The resident said that they do not want to paint “the area in a bad light” because it is a “very nice area” to live in.
In July, a new walkway across Smiths Field was permanently damaged just a year after it was installed.
“So many homes were affected by that fire, leaving many residents having a hard time,” added the resident.
The fire melted plastic debris into the tarmac path beside the bridge at College Avenue. Costly efforts by the council and by local volunteers to improve the secluded large field, which lies out of sight from public roads, is being hampered by the actions of the youths.
The council installed the properly lit tarmac path for students, residents and sports clubs to take a safe shortcut from Harbour Street to College Avenue. It plans to build a housing estate in their section of Smiths Field, which it is hoped will reduce anti-social behaviour.
Mountmellick United soccer club is fundraising for a rejuvenation of Smiths Field to extend their pitches adding a bridge over the river.
At the time of July’s damage due to the ongoing anti-social behaviour, Laois Co Council director of services Simon Walton spoke to the media, saying: ‘‘The damage is very disappointing, particularly so having regard to the significant, ongoing efforts and investment to enhance Smiths Field.
“Nonetheless, Laois Co Council will not be deterred and the local enhancements will continue, in line with significant ongoing local support for same. Equally, the damaged section of walkway will be repaired.
“I would urge anyone who has information regarding this incident to report it to An Garda Siochana,” Mr Walton said.
Laois County Co Council confirmed that the County Fire and Rescue Service responded to 26 incidents in Co. Laois between Friday 30 October and Sunday 1s November, 15 of which were bonfire/Halloween related and of these 15, 3 were in the Mountmellick area.
Laois County Council Environment section removed bonfire materials from public areas in Laois over this period as well for disposal, including from the Mountmellick area.
In a statement Garda headquarters said: “Gardaí in Laois received reports of two alleged incidents involving fireworks at two locations in Mountmellick between 10pm on Friday, 31 October, 2026 and 00.29am the following morning. When gardaí attended there were no fireworks evident”.
