Draft:The local Treaty

"The Local Treaty" Claremorris youth culture

Tensions in the small west of Ireland town where at an all time high in the mid to late 2000's post the economic crash in Ireland. Deprivation and lack of opportunity for young people meant that socialization and general merriment was in short supply.

Local youths found themselves lost and without a place in society. Frequent clashes with the Gardaí resulting in significant loss of resources to the youths and further displacement. Over a 3 year period the Claremorris Youths searched for a place to belong.

Short periods of peace had been enjoyed in various locations around the town, from a happy Friday night in Hanleys archway, to several lazy Sundays at the "Rotto Grotto", one notable period of calm was enjoyed as the disenfranchised group managed to entrench themselves in an area that would be come known as the "The Beach". This 1km long stretch of land next to a railway line provided the group with some much needed respite and for one summer was an oasis of merriment.

This peaceful period was short lived as the harsh winter conditions and the shorter evenings came in to crush the spirts of the entrenched and drive them out into the public realm once again.

Roaming the streets again familiar patterns emerged.... assets seized and brave volunteers moved on from various locations in the town time after time. Although the group had no base they had an unbreakable comradery and will to persist.

One fateful Friday in 2005 during a regular seize and remove operation from the Local alleyway by the Gardaí the group decided to enter into negotiations for a treaty,

After hours of tense negotiations "Lieutenants "T" and "C"" returned to the group having secured a safe location for a barracks and permanent base.

The Sign
After many years of unrest a significant period of merriment was enjoyed at the sign located conveniently close to the towns amenities and with its own recycling facilities it gave the group an opportunity to prosper and develop into a formidable force of nature. Expansion of territories during the winter months involved the seizure of a significant shelter at the Trollybay. However for the most part activities centered around the Sign and its amenities. A decade of peace was enjoyed by all.