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Heard uncertain rumours of the 2nd Smokey in the Park about a fortnight before the 4th, and trundled down with my fingers crossed on that glorious Sat afternoon, which also happened to be my 19th Birthday.

We made it half way to the bandstand before we started spotting flamboyantly dressed dudes and smelling the sweet smell of 'del whackio' .

Started off slowly, (as these events usually do), but soon gathered momentum, with the first beats of the bongoes.
An hour or two into the afternoon, the sight and sounds surrounding me were exactly what I'd been hoping for;
A rasta flag flapping audaciously on top of the band stand, 'Jackass-style' kamakaze 'bush bombers' heading for the bushes on an array of bikes, skateboards, and even a wheelchair. A stoney white bunny hopping around (undoubtedly consuming stray lumps of blow). Fantastic dancers who can only be described as a mixture of Bruce Lee and Ballerina. Several Gardai walking about, making their presence known and feeling obviously humiliated walking away to the din of nigh on 500 smokers clapping, cheering and whistling behind them.

I was asked by a reporter, armed with notebook and microphone what I thought of the event and why I felt cannabis
should be legalised in Eire. I answered what I felt to be true; There were 450 - 500 people around me, laughing, smoking, singing, flaking out at a peaceful demo for an outlawed leaf. Had there been 450 - 500 people drinking at said event, I can imagine the scenario being somewhat different. I would bet my month's wage on bottles flying, stitches needed and general aggressive behaviour all around. Yet alcohol is readily available to the youth of today, who are at the same time denied the right to skin up in peace.

Moral of the story: Chilled out, happy vibe enjoyed by all in Bushy Park. Free the Weed!