A Cork hotelier has raised the alarm about the growing issue of drink spiking in the city’s nightlife scene after his son and several others fell victim in a single night. John Gately,managing director of the Commodore hotel in Cobh,shared the harrowing experience of his 21-year-old son,Tom,who was spiked earlier this week.
Tom, described by his father as a “big burly 6ft 1in lad,” had recently returned from a trip abroad and decided to enjoy a night out with friends on Monday. Around 1:30 a.m., Tom sent his parents a routine text, letting them know he was heading home. However, just over an hour later, at 2:50 a.m., his mother received a frantic call from her son, who was disoriented and unable to pinpoint his location.
“He was completely disorientated.She was very concerned about him,” Mr. Gately recounted. His wife instantly drove into the city and found Tom near Lapp’s Quay, far from the pub where he had been socializing. Concerned by his alarming state, she rushed him to the emergency department at Mercy Hospital.
At the hospital, the Gately family encountered five other students in the waiting area. After speaking with them, they discovered that three of the five had also been spiked that night—one of whom had been at the same venue as Tom. “It is obviously a major issue. whatever they’re putting into these drinks, it just zonks people out,” Mr. Gately said.
Tom’s memory of the night is hazy. He recalls finishing his last drink before heading home, only to be “completely overcome by whatever was in it” within 20 minutes.The incident has left the family shaken,prompting Mr. Gately to speak out on Red FM with Neil Prendeville to raise awareness about the dangers of drink spiking in Cork.
“Most of us who have daughters as well are in absolute fear that this would happen to one of our daughters where, you know, there’s obviously motivations behind these things from these people,” he said. “And when it happens to your big burly son, you kind of say: ‘My God, what’s going on hear?’ Are they just doing this for the craic and sitting back and looking at the reaction or what’s the motivation? The people who are out doing this… it’s a scourge,it really is.”
Mr. gately urged those enjoying nights out to remain vigilant, advising them never to leave drinks unattended and to stay close to friends. his son is still recovering from the incident, and the family hopes that by sharing their story, they can prevent others from falling victim to this hazardous trend.
the incident has sparked a broader conversation about safety in cork’s nightlife. With spiking incidents on the rise, Mr. Gately’s story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and community awareness. As he put it, “It’s a scourge, it really is.”
How can venues help prevent drink spiking?
Interview with Dr.Sarah Collins,Forensic Toxicologist and Expert on Drink Spiking
Conducted by Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Thank you for joining us today,Dr. Collins. The recent incident involving Tom Gately, the son of Cork hotelier John Gately, has brought the issue of drink spiking back into the spotlight. As an expert in forensic toxicology, can you explain what typically happens when someone’s drink is spiked?
Dr. Collins: Thank you for having me. Drink spiking is a serious and frequently enough underreported crime. Typically, substances like Rohypnol, GHB, or ketamine are added to a person’s drink without their knowledge. These substances are fast-acting and can cause disorientation, memory loss, and even unconsciousness. In Tom’s case, his father described him as a “big burly 6ft 1in lad,” which shows that spiking can happen to anyone, nonetheless of size or strength.
Archyde: That’s alarming. What are the immediate signs that someone’s drink may have been spiked?
Dr. Collins: The symptoms can vary depending on the substance used, but common signs include sudden dizziness, confusion, nausea, and difficulty speaking or moving. Victims often describe feeling “out of it” or “not themselves.” In Tom’s case, he became extremely disoriented by the end of the night, which is a classic red flag.
Archyde: What should someone do if they suspect their drink has been spiked?
Dr. Collins: The first step is to seek help promptly. Tell a trusted friend, bartender, or security personnel.If possible, try to keep the drink as evidence, as it can be tested for substances. Medical attention is crucial, as some substances can have severe health consequences. It’s also importent to report the incident to the police, as this helps authorities track patterns and take action.
Archyde: John Gately mentioned that several others were also spiked on the same night as his son. Is this a growing trend in Cork’s nightlife scene?
Dr. Collins: Unfortunatly, drink spiking is not isolated to Cork or even Ireland—it’s a global issue.However, the fact that multiple incidents occurred in one night suggests a concerning pattern. Nightlife venues need to be vigilant and proactive in addressing this. Measures like training staff to recognize the signs of spiking,providing drink covers,and increasing security can make a critically important difference.
Archyde: What advice would you give to young people heading out for a night on the town?
Dr. Collins: Prevention is key. always keep an eye on your drink, never accept drinks from strangers, and stick with your friends. If you feel unwell or suspect something is wrong, don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s also a good idea to have a designated “buddy” who can look out for you throughout the night.
Archyde: what steps can the community and authorities take to combat this issue?
Dr. collins: Education is crucial. Raising awareness about the dangers of drink spiking and how to protect oneself is the first step.Venues should implement strict policies and work closely with law enforcement. Authorities need to ensure that incidents are thoroughly investigated and that perpetrators are held accountable.It’s a collective effort, but one that can save lives.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Collins, for your insights and expertise. This is an issue that demands urgent attention, and your advice is invaluable.
Dr. Collins: Thank you for shedding light on this important topic. Let’s work together to make our nightlife safer for everyone.
End of Interview
This interview highlights the seriousness of drink spiking and provides actionable advice for individuals and communities to address this growing concern.
