Clubs which hold fund-raising events will not be affected by the new licensing laws, the Taoiseach has signalled. Mr Ahern was in Cork to open the first indoor hurling hall in Ireland at Na Piarsaigh hurling and football club. The hall cost more than £1 million and marked a new chapter in hurling facilities, he said.
The Government, Mr Ahern added, was fully behind GAA clubs as well as other sporting organisations which improved their facilities and infrastructure through hosting social events. When drink prices were soaring, such clubs had managed to keep prices down and it was also well documented that they operated strict policies on under-age drinking.