Ryan Tubridy has responded to the backlash he received over comments he made about college students gathering in Galway.
On Monday night, Gardaà were called to a number of places to deal with crowds of students drinking alcohol on the streets of Galway.
Videos of the crowds also went viral on social media, sparking concern over the rising amount of coronavirus cases in Ireland.
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
On Tuesday, Ryan addressed the incident on his RTÉ Radio 1 show, but the broadcaster annoyed some of his listeners by sympathising with the college students.
Ryan said: “If I was 19 and I was going to college and I was going to Galway, I would probably be right in the middle of them. I think the younger people are not stupid. They’re don’t not care. You just reach a point…”
“This is all new. I’m not going to college for the first time. I don’t know what it’s like to go to college for the first time in a pandemic.”
“You probably think you won’t get it and if you do get it, you think I’m young. I’ll try and avoid all those people.”
“I understand why they’re there. Leaving Cert was a basket case. They didn’t get to Maguluf and probably thought can’t I have a few cans with people. It’s hard for everyone.”
After listeners criticised Ryan over his comments, the radio host insisted he wasn’t condoning their behaviour.
On Wednesday, Ryan told listeners: “The students there, I would hope that they realise they aren’t going to live forever and they think a little bit more selflessly next time. Because they could go home and their granny gets it and that’s a very tricky time.”
Ryan continued: “But a huge reaction to that piece yesterday. There’s a little cross wire there, I’m happy to be clear to comments that I just don’t want to be beating up young people.”
“But at the same time tell them they will kill their grannies, lets be honest about it. Be careful friends.”
“We don’t need to go around beating the heads off each other and trying to make a point.”
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