TEENAGERS involved in organised fights in Fermoy have been warned that one punch could have devastating consequences.

Another fight took place on McCurtain Street in Fermoy yesterday, at around 2.30pm.

Last week, Gardaí drew attention to teenagers organising fights in the Cork town and said they were "not responsible for minding children."

Businesswoman Josephine Murphy, of D&M Fruit and Veg shop, said yesterday's scuffle, across the road from her shop, was minor but she warned that fighting can potentially have life-changing consequences.

"There were about 12-15 teenagers, boys and girls, but the girls were just watching. None were in school uniforms.

"I'd say they were about 14, 15, 16 years old, but it was hard to tell."

Ms Murphy says that this is the second fight in recent times. 

"It happened a week or two ago. I didn't realise it was an organised thing.

"They really do hurt each other, not in yesterday's fight, but in the one before that, there was a bloody nose and another lad got a hit into the stomach.

"It's dangerous. All it takes is one punch the wrong way, people could fall and hit their head on the path or be pushed into traffic."

Ms Murphy added that she's seen the teenagers film the fights on their phones, and then hang around afterward. 

"The fight wasn't long, but they stayed around for 20 minutes afterward. They didn't do anything after a few pucks. 

"I think it's for social media, they have their phones out recording it."

Local councillor Noel McCarthy said that these fights are "isolated incidents" and do not reflect what a great place Fermoy is to live in.

"These incidents will be stamped out. Gardaí, the Boards of Management of the local schools and public representatives will work together to resolve this issue.

"These incidents do not reflect that the majority of the young people in Fermoy are gentlemen and ladies. They are the nicest young people.

"It's a small minority of people who are engaging in this behaviour, and they should respect the town they live in and the people in it.

"We are so lucky to live in Fermoy, we have great schools, Gardaí and sports facilities. Not everyone deserves to be tarred with this brush... 99% of the young people here are respectful and law-abiding."

In a statement, the Garda Press Office said: "Gardaí received reports of youths causing a disturbance in McCurtain Street, Fermoy, Cork on the 4th February 2020 at approximately 2:30pm. Youths were gone on arrival. No offences disclosed."