Press Release
Comhairle na nÓg Liatroma launch ‘Use your Brain Not Your Fists’ – an educational video highlighting the effects a fight can have on both the victim and the perpetrator.
Comhairle na nÓg Liatroma launch their educational video “Use Your Brain Not Your Fists” in The Bush Hotel, Carrick on Shannon on Friday April 27th at 11:30am
This video is the brainchild of Comhairle na nÓg, After they heard about the Garda campaign in September 2016, targeting over 18’s, which emphasized the consequences of assaults, not just to the victims in terms of injury, (life changing or worse), but also to the perpetrators, in terms of prison, lost career and travel prospects and shame to themselves and their families. Leitrim Comhairle na nÓg decided, following their AGM, that there was a need to educate teenagers at an earlier age, so they came up with the idea of making a video for their peers.
Speaking today, Comhairle na nÓg Liatroma coordinator Fiona Taylor stated ‘This is an initiative by young people for young people, reflecting the dire consequences of momentary senseless madness, more often than not as a result of alcohol and or substance abuse. The content is powerful and thought-provoking and has been inspired and motivated by the death of Andrew Dolan from Carrick and the catastrophic injuries suffered by Shane Grogan from Tuam, following senseless and unprovoked attacks.’
Andrew’s mother, Rosie Dolan, and Shane and his parents, Joe and Joan Grogan, feature in the video and share their heartbreaking experiences following their sons’ attacks. Other contributors to the film include former footballer and League of Ireland legend, Joseph Ndo as well as Garda Noel Lee and Sgt. Kelvin Courtney. The film was facilitated by Sinéad Dolan of Loch Bó Films, who worked with the Comhairle na nÓg committee members who created the content, storyboards, operated camera and audio equipment and conducted interviews with the participants.
The video will be launched by Rosie Dolan & Joe Grogan and will be promoted nationally in all second level schools, as well as through sporting organisations and youth associations throughout Ireland. The program is being supported by Leitrim County Council, North Connaught Youth Service, North West Drug and Alcohol Task Force and Creative Ireland. Comhairle na nÓg are grateful to the Garda Press Office for permission to use their posters, literature and tagline.
ENDS