Outrage has spawned in Galway after videos of students revelling around Galway were uploaded online last night.
Locations such as the Spanish Arch and Shop Street were heaving with students who were returning to the city to resume their courses in NUIG and GMIT.
More videos of tonight!! Disgraceful @NUIGSU @GMITOfficial pic.twitter.com/JnnaZViwg6
— Galway United (@Galway_1937) September 29, 2020
These scenes were an extension of 'freshers week' celebrations, which we're supposed to be encompassed entirely online following advice from the government, as well as guidelines put in place from the USI.
Have sympathy for those entering college for first time during Covid but these scenes are simply unacceptable, particularly with recent growth in Galway cases. Have contacted Millstreet Gardai & written to NUIG President though I fear damage may be done. pic.twitter.com/IASFtk6Eqr
— Ollie Crowe (@olliecrowe_ie) September 28, 2020
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Following the scenes, #spanisharch was trending on Twitter, with people weighing in on what had occurred in Galway.
Yes, I am extremely disappointed at what went on at Spanish Arch last night.
However, a lot of this could have been avoided if the government and universities had worked much quicker to tell students that accommodation would not be required for the time being. #spanisharch
— Criodán Ó Murchú BSc. (Hons.) (@criodanomurchu) September 29, 2020
People can say the poor students didn’t have debs this year & spent months without socialising etc but this is really down to inconsideration, ignorance & an element of selfishness. Everybody else has suffered on & put their lives on hold. This is not to be excused #spanisharch https://t.co/Oit4G9D462
— Amy Coy (@aimscoy) September 29, 2020
I will say I have empathy for students whose universities (like @nuigalway) took their money for accommodations and tuition and then promptly moved to online schooling. BUT that doesn’t excuse their behaviour for deciding to congregate in a large group to drink. #spanisharch
— Shannon (@Karpidiem11) September 29, 2020
With institutions moving to predominantly online learning, in spite of students moving the length and breath of the country to attend, these scenes aren't going to be curbed any time soon.
