Think of the vulnerable at Hallowe'en

Has the worsening economic recession hit the firework trade? You'd be forgiven for thinking so, given that the streets and estates are much quieter in the run-up to Hallowe'en, than they were three or four years ago.In 2006, for instance, residents of Mullingar, and indeed those in surrounding towns and villages in Westmeath, had their ears popped by a cacophony of exploding bangers and rockets, even days before Hallowe'en approached.Perhaps it's the recession, or perhaps it's the diligence of our Gardaí, who have contributed much to halting the flow of illegal fireworks into this country in recent years.Either way, the dearth of "black cats", "Roman candles" and quarter sticks of dynamite in the hands of young people in Westmeath is something which will be welcomed by the vulnerable, and those with their best interests at heart.With that said, there will still be a modest volume of bangers doing the rounds, as bonfires are lit on Saturday night next.This time of year is simply dreaded by the elderly, the sick and those living on their own in remote areas.To most school-going children, Hallowe'en is about trick-or-treating, toffee apples and dressing up in the wildest of costumes, but to many, it represents at least 24 hours of sheer mental torture.We've all heard the stories - bangers through letterboxes, frightened animals, bonfires going out of control.Every year there are plenty of warnings, but still we read headlines about youngsters who lose a finger due to a faulty banger, or about an elderly person being scared stiff in their own home from the sometimes riotous revelry associated with Hallowe'en.Ahead of October 31, Westmeath County Council and the Government have gone to great lengths to make people aware of the dangers associated with fireworks and bonfires at Hallowe'en.The Council has encouraged people in Westmeath to get in touch if they see any pallets, furniture or other materials being hoarded in a pile prior to Hallowe'en, in a bid to stamp out bonfires before they happen.Residents of towns and villages in the county are also warned to escort their children while "trick-or-treating", and to keep pets indoors on Hallowe'en night.Furthermore, both the Gardaí and the Council have advised people to resist the temptation to buy illegal fireworks, and to instead attend an organised, licensed firework display in the local area.If these and the rest of the guidelines laid out by the civil powers were followed to the letter, then Hallowe'en would be a much safer and happier time for everybody.But the unfortunate reality is that the irresponsible among us treat the festival of Hallowe'en as some kind of licence to completely abandon their morals.As Hallowe'en takes place on a Saturday night this year, one can bet that there will be copious amounts of drink taken prior to and during the weekend revelry.But the flip side of this is that people will also have the free time to visit their elderly or sick neighbours.If you do have time to spare on Saturday night, and if you have neighbours of an advanced age who are on their own at Hallowe'en, then call around to them - if only for a few minutes.Amidst all the laws, guidelines and warnings which are often ignored at Hallowe'en, this gesture is as powerful as it gets.