From this week’s Galway City Tribune – Gardaí are investigating five incidents on the University of Galway campus and in the nearby Newcastle area where female students were groped as they walked home.

Three of the assaults – where the females were groped from behind – occurred in the college grounds area with the other two occurring just off campus.
BY FRANCIS FARRAGHER AND DENISE MCNAMARA
Gardaí investigating what happened believe that a lone male – probably youngish – was involved in all of the five incidents which occurred on November 3, 4, 5, 16 and 23. All took place in darkness or semi-darkness between 4pm and 11pm.

Extra Garda patrols have now been put in places on the campus and in nearby accommodation areas – with a senior Garda advising female students not to walk home alone if possible.

Detective Superintendent Shane Cummins said that the Gardaí were taking a serious view of the incidents where the females were assaulted by the man, who then ran off.

“We are advising female students not to walk home alone if at all possible; to only walk in well-lit areas; and to always let some friend know of where they are and what time to expect them home,” said Det Supt Cummins.

Det Supt Cummins said anyone who feared being set upon by this individual should not hesitate to ring 999 or 112 immediately.

The Students’ Union at the University of Galway said students were ‘terrified’ following the reports which had ‘spread like wildfire’ across the campus.

SU Vice-President and Welfare and Equality Officer, Imogen O’Flaherty Falconer said Gardaí have confirmed that they have CCTV footage in relation to the incidents.

“This is happening towards the Greenfields area opposite Corrib Village in the last three weeks. It’s very scary.

“There are a lot of students walking home by themselves right now: they’re studying late in the library, as it’s exam time. We are urging people to try and walk home in pairs if they can at all,” she said.

This is a shortened preview version of this story. To read the rest of the article, see the December 9 edition of the Galway City Tribune. You can  buy a digital edition HERE.