Assistant Commissioner for the North Western Region, Cliona Richardson, visited Cavan Garda Station recently, where senior regional officers gathered to receive a presentation on the roll-out of a pioneering child protection initiative inspired by Coco’s Law. Inspector Lionel Mullally and Garda Cait Fleming, Juvenile Liaison Officer, are leading the initiative locally. From left: Chief Superintendent Gerard Roche, Galway; Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan, Donegal; Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern, Cavan-Monaghan; Assistant Commissioner Cliona Richardson, North West Region; Chief Superintendent Aidan Glacken, Sligo-Leitrim; Chief Superintendent Sean Colleran, attached to the office of the Assistant Commissioner, Chief Superintendent Ray McMahon, Mayo, Roscommon, Longford.

Safeguarding initiative on cyber bullying

Seamus Enright

Published: Thu 2 Jul 2026, 3:00 PM

A community targetted initiative, inspired by the tragic death of Nicole ‘Coco’ Fox and the tireless campaigning of her mother Jackie to have a law introduced to combat cyberbullying and online harassment, is having an impact in sports clubs and groups across Cavan.

Inspector Lionel Mullally told members of the Cavan Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) that already an outreach had taken place with safety officers at GAA clubs county-wide. Engagements had also taken place with LGBTQ+ groups, men’s and hens’ sheds, and the plan is to roll it out further in the coming months with the aim of informing people about the important legal protections for victims of online abuse.

Officers also want to send a strong message that harmful online behaviour has serious consequences. Insp Mullally told LCSP attendees that community groups play an important role in educating young people about responsible online behaviour and digital safety. The next aim is to reach out to schools directly.