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If you don’t like Good Friday drinking, don’t drink on Good Friday

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The passing of the new intoxicating liquor bill, which will allow bars to sell alcohol on Good Friday for the first time since 1927, has (perhaps unsurprisingly) been met with fierce opposition in certain circles.

Some see it as yet another example of modern society carelessly discarding a long-standing tradition. There’s an element of truth to that, but just because a custom has been there forever doesn’t make it right. Ireland in 2018 is a very different place to the Ireland of 1927 so surely it makes sense that the laws governing its people should evolve at a similar pace.

This was a devoutly Catholic country 90 years ago so banning the sale of alcohol on the day of Jesus’ death, as well as on the day of his birth and St Patrick’s Day, may well have been an appropriate measure at the time. But times change. Even by 1960, people had successfully campaigned for the St Patrick’s Day ban to be lifted. Similar rules, such as not being allowed to eat meat on Friday, have also largely disappeared.

Religion simply isn’t as relevant to Irish people’s lives as it once was. Why should non-believers, or those of a different faith, or even Catholics who simply don’t agree with this particular tradition, be forced to live with a law that is explicitly Catholic in its nature?

Personally I’d be of the opinion that religion should have no influence whatsoever on our legal system. Thankfully most Irish people, certainly amongst my generation, seem to agree, as evidenced by the outcome of the marriage equality referendum in 2015. Although this current debate is more trivial, I can see very distinct parallels between the two.

Then as now those of a religious persuasion saw the law change as an attack on their personal beliefs. But the laws in question don’t actually affect them on a personal level. At the time of the marriage referendum, gay rights activists said, “If you don’t like gay marriage, don’t get gay married”. The same logic can be applied to the removal of the drinking ban. If you don’t like drinking on Good Friday, don’t drink on Good Friday.

The new bill doesn’t state that every Irish citizen is now required to go on the lash on Good Friday, just as the legalisation of gay marriage hasn’t forced people unwillingly into gay marriages.

We’re talking about personal choices that affect the people making them on a strictly personal level. Let’s treat them as such.

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Rathmore’s Tearmann Lodge raises €1,200 for Kerry Hospice

The staff and residents at Tearmann Lodge in Rathmore recently came together to raise €1,200 for the Kerry Hospice Foundation . The facility, which is run by the Kerry Parents […]

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The staff and residents at Tearmann Lodge in Rathmore recently came together to raise €1,200 for the Kerry Hospice Foundation

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The facility, which is run by the Kerry Parents & Friends Association, hosted a successful bingo evening and raffle in late March of this year. This follows a similar fundraising event held at the centre in 2024.
Residents at the lodge were encouraged to participate in the evening, which proved to be a highly positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Tearmann Lodge Manager Gillian Kenny facilitated the fundraiser, while staff member Irene O’Donoghue acted as the main organiser, with assistance from colleague Karen McCarthy and other members of the team.
The residential facility provides accommodation for nine residents, alongside an extra bedroom used for respite care when needed.
“Kerry Hospice would be close to the hearts of many here, both residents and staff, whose loved ones have benefitted from the services provided by the charity. We are delighted to be in a position to give something back in return,” Irene O’Donoghue said.
Pat Doolan of the Killarney Branch of Kerry Hospice expressed his gratitude to everyone at the centre during the official cheque presentation.
“This was another lovely gesture by all concerned and I want to thank them for their generosity. I spent some pleasant time over a cuppa with residents and staff members in the comfortable surroundings at Tearmann Lodge on the day of the cheque presentation. Esther Kelleher, who is a resident at the centre, entertained us with a lovely song,” Pat Doolan said

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

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Overnight water restrictions in Greater Killarney

Uisce Éireann has introduced overnight water restrictions across parts of Greater Killarney to help reservoir levels recover during the current spell of warm weather.

The restrictions will take effect tonight from 9pm until 7am tomorrow morning. Areas affected include Aghadoe, Beaufort, and Listry on the Mid-Kerry Water Supply Scheme.

Increased demand during the warm weather has meant treated water is being used faster than it can be produced. Uisce Éireann stated that the nighttime shut-offs are necessary to protect the daytime supply for homes, businesses, and essential services.

Operations manager Eoin O’Connell urged local residents and businesses to conserve water where possible:

“Nighttime restrictions are being implemented to support treated reservoir recovery and maintain daytime supply. Conserving water will help protect resources and maintain supply for all. When there is an increase in temperatures it leads to a rise in demand for water. Water is a hugely precious resource, and it is important to conserve water.”

Uisce Éireann is monitoring water levels daily and will conduct a further operational assessment later this week.

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