Club Statement in relation to the use of pyrotechnics

As a club Cobh Ramblers and its committee endeavours to continue to improve the Fan experience at St. Colmans Park. While we have had some fastastic fan experiences again in the past 12 months, with our move to an aritificial pitch the issue with pyrotechnics becomes an issue that we must overcome.

The Irreparable damage caused from pyrotechnics must be avoided at all times. As a community club dependant on its members, damage to the pitch from pyrotechnics would come at huge cost in terms of preventing games and training from taking part if damage was to occur. We ask that fans do not bring pyrotechnics into the ground. We continue to work closely with the FAI and the league to look at ways that we can improve the fan experience without the use of pyrotechnics.

Recently the FAI has imposed bans on club’s supporters attending matches, League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon recently stated that points deductions for clubs cannot be ruled out should repeat pyrotechnics offences continue to occur at grounds.

This would be hugely disruptive to us as a club in terms of income which we now need to generate as we will play away from home until April.

With pyrotechnics burning at extremely high temperatures ranging from 700-2500c, supporters are risking the following possibilities:

Burns to flesh and clothing

Explosive effects on persons with potentially fatal damage to the body

Explosive effects to structures

Acute toxic effects from smoke

Impact on head, eyes and hearing

Panic amongst packed terraces

It is not safe for any pyrotechnic device to be used in spectator areas within football stadia.

Pyrotechnics and illegal fireworks can lead to horrific injuries to the user or those around them.

In Ireland It is illegal to import, hold, sell, or use any other fireworks without a licence.

These are arrestable offences. The Gardaí can arrest you without a warrant if they suspect you of having committed an offence under this Act (see ‘Fireworks and Garda powers’ below).

If you are found guilty of   any of the above offences:

On summary conviction (in the District Court), you are liable to a class C fine or to a prison sentence of up to 6 months, or to both

On conviction on indictment (in the Circuit Court), you are liable to a maximum fine of €10,000 or to a prison sentence of up to 5 years, or to both

As we Return to St. Colman’s Park in 2024 Cobh Ramblers have already had initial discussions with the Gardai in relation to enforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy in relation to Pyrotechnics

There will be increased searches outside the ground prior to matches and increased CCTV within the Ground

Any person found to be suspect of having committed an offence will be immediately reported to Gardai