Trevor Quinn speaks to the VFI and people on the streets of Castlebar and Westport
THE Easter period still retains a powerful and emotional message in the psyche of Christians and Catholics in this country. In Limerick last year, a controversial ruling ensured a seismic shift occurred between church and state when pubs were allowed to remain open for a Munster/Leinster rugby match, which brought in an estimated €7.3 million in revenue to the Limerick economy.
At the time, Administrator, Fr Tony Mullins of The Roman Catholic diocese of Limerick, described the decision as ‘a further reflection of a changing society, where religious beliefs and the practice of one’s faith is becoming more a matter for the individual’.
Marty O’Hora, Chairman of Mayo Vintners Federation of Ireland VVFI) told The Mayo News he believes the law will eventually change but adds that a lot of his fellow publicans are in favour of the current legislative measures.
“A lot of publicans use the closed day on Good Friday for painting their premises and varnishing floors. A majority of our members would be of the christian denomination so I wouldn’t think there’d be an awful lot in favour of having them open just yet,” said Mr O’Hora.
As a modern secular society should we impose laws based on the principles of the church on the entire population or should we value our Christian and Catholic heritage and keep days like Good Friday sacred?
As long as Ireland has had drinking establishments, Good Friday has been categorised as a ‘dry’ holy day but how long is this likely to continue?
“I don’t think the church should have any influence as far as drinking on Good Friday goes. Having said that it is only one day but the reasons behind it are the thing that I don’t agree with. Religion shouldn’t play any part in whether anyone drinks on a given day.” Alan Reilly, Castlebar
“The pubs should be open. Everything else is open. Why should you have a prejudice against alcohol? I think if you’re going to have one rule you should have it across the board. In today’s society I think you have to have a level playing field for everybody. If you’re going to discriminate against pubs and restaurants then you have to say well then the shops aren’t open either.” Aubrey Cooper, Northern England and Tourmakeady.
“I suppose it’s tradition and we’ve got to stick with our traditions. There’s not a lot you can really do about that you know. We shouldn’t really be in to breaking the law either. I’m all for an open society and embracing multiculturalism but the law is the law and there’s not a lot you can do about it. I don’t think there’s a motivation to change at the moment, but you never know as the economy twists and turns you couldn’t be too sure as to what might happen next.” John Keane, Newport
“It’s just the churches view on it isn’t it. I mean the baby Jesus never said we better not drink on a Friday! On any other bank holiday the pubs aren’t closed. They’re open every other bank holiday. It’s the same as this meat eating thing. Abstain from meat on Good Friday . . Who ever said that? That’s just ridiculous. So what if they don’t go to the pub for one day, what’s the point? They’re going to drink as much at home. They’ll get it the day before and they’ll drink just as much or more.” Pauline Courtney, Mullingar.
“I think it’s quite silly, especially for tourism. More people go out and look for a pub to be open on Good Friday then have been out on any Friday for the whole year. It’s a bit outdated now. If the shops are open then why not let the pubs be open. I think in the past there was too much church interference. Now things are more liberal and they should change the law. It doesn’t bother me personally. I can stay in one night but the not eating meat thing on a Friday is also very outdated. If people are respectful and fair to everyone that’s all that should matter.” Stephen Kilcoyne, Achill and England
“I think the law should be left as it is. It’s a bit of respect for one day of the year that Our Lord died. I don’t mind the shops being open, that’s fine, but the pubs I think should respect the day.” Nora Lydon, Tourmakeady.
“Most people can give up something. Everybody should be able to have their own choice shouldn’t they. If we want to go with the tradition of what we were brought up with well then fine. If you go to another country they have their traditions and we have to respect their traditions so why can’t we here.” Liz Shiel, Dublin.
“It’s one day off for family time. If the pubs are closed for one day I don’t think it makes any difference. It’s not like you’re asking them to abstain forever and ever. There’s only two days a year when the pubs are closed so I don’t see any reason to change it.” Mary Just, Castlebar.
“I think people should have a choice if they want to go to the pub or not. There’s so many cultures in Ireland now that I don’t think it’s right that people don’t have a choice. I think you should have a choice in this day and age, and if you choose not to go to the pub then fine.” Sarah McEvoy, Louisburgh and Australia.
“I suppose it’s a bit outdated. It’s no harm that one day or two days during the year they are closed because everything is really centred around drink in Ireland. I wouldn’t be going anyway but I suppose people should be given the choice. If they want to go then they should be able to go.” Eva Gannon, Westport.
“I don’t think it’s any harm that they’re closed for one day. They’re open long enough and people get enough opportunity to drink. I think we should stick with it really.” Michael Kilbane, Achill.
