Madam, – I am relieved to hear of the court decision to allow the Limerick pubs to open on Good Friday for the rugby match.
It would be somewhat cruel to deny Munster supporters an opportunity to drown their sorrows after the game. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – Lifting the ban on alcohol sales for Good Friday in Limerick simply confirms that no one can sit through such a drab, interminable sport without a drink. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – The sanctity of Good Friday is not dependent on the laws of the State, but rather on the hearts of the faithful who, in the eyes of the church, should abstain from alcohol on this Holy Day, regardless of what is or is not allowed by the State. Subsequently, those who choose not to recognise the day, should be allowed to celebrate their team however they like, or merely enjoy a drink on a typical Friday as they normally would.
The influence or merging of religious customs with secular law impacts the rights of all citizens, regardless of their beliefs, and continues to cause sectarian violence and oppression in numerous countries, particularly in the Middle East. This comparison is overly dramatic in relation to the Republic of Ireland, but a move towards separation of church and State could be viewed as a modernisation of Irish law.
The problem with alcohol abuse and binge drinking in this country is a separate matter, which surely will not be impacted by a ban on public sale of alcohol for one day. Furthermore, can one not enjoy a rugby game without being inebriated? – Yours, etc,