No Limerick Good Friday imminent for Mayo pubs

Stay dry on Good Friday - Mayo publicans


Áine Ryan

THERE is no groundswell of opinion among publicans that the Good Friday ban on selling alcohol should be revoked. That is what Mayo Chairman of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI), Mr Marty O’Hora, who runs Teach O’Hora in Kiltimagh, told The Mayo News last night.
In fact, he confirmed that at a national VFI meeting last week two-thirds of those in attendance favoured the law remaining as it is at present.
The ban, introduced in 1927, has caused much debate since Judge Tom O’Donnell last week granted an exemption to Limerick publicans to facilitate the 26,000 rugby fans expected to attend the Munster and Leinster rugby match, to be held in Thomond Park on Friday next. 
“Good Friday is usually a day when publicans get their painting and decorating done or their wooden floors varnished. It is also a rare day off for those who work all sorts of shifts and over weekends in this business,” Mr O’Hora said last night.
“Religion may still be a factor for the older publicans, but younger people are not influenced in that way anymore, particularly because of all the recent scandals,” he continued.
Mr O’Hora’s views were echoed by Westport harbour publican, Neill O’Neill, who runs The Asgard Bar and Restaurant. 
“A lot of publicans are glad to have the day off either to get work done on the premises or just for a break. After all, it is only one of two days in the whole year when pubs are closed,” Neill O’Neill said.
The law
IN 1927 the Intoxicating Liquor Act enshrined in law that alcohol could not be sold on Christmas Day, Good Friday or St Patrick’s Day. An amendment in 1960 revoked the St Patrick’s Day ban to facilitate foreign visitors celebrating the patron saint’s feast day.
Curiously, the ban has a few interesting exceptions. It allows all those traveling by sea or air to indulge in a tipple. Moreover, all those cultural connoisseurs who attend a licensed theatre or the National Concert Hall may partake in a gin and tonic or two, or any form of alcohol on sale.
Racing fans and hotel guests, while dining, may also indulge in a sup of the crathur.
Last year there was quite a furore after Judge Mary Fahy observed that prosecuting restauranteurs who offered the option of wine, while serving a meal on Good Friday, was ‘ludicrous’ in today’s world.
During a district court hearing in Galway she determined not to record convictions against nine Galway city restaurants where wine had been served.