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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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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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West End and Great Southern team up for theatre experience

A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month. In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of […]

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A powerful production of one of Ireland’s most celebrated contemporary plays is coming to the Killarney stage this month.
In an exciting joint venture, the West End House School of Arts has partnered with the Great Southern Killarney to offer audiences an unrivaled theatre experience.

The West End Players Ensemble will present By the Bog of Cats, Marina Carr’s haunting and critically acclaimed masterpiece, on Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at 8:00pm at the town centre hotel.

Charlie Hughes, the show’s director and Head Tutor at West End House School of Arts, expressed great pride in the milestone, stating he is “so proud that our five years in operation here in Killarney have been able to support and develop such talented local actors to stage this production”.
Set against the stark beauty of the Irish midlands, the compelling drama tells the unforgettable story of Hester Swane, a fiercely independent woman determined to hold on to her home, her daughter, and her place in the world. Rich in Irish folklore, dark humour, and unforgettable characters, Carr’s masterpiece explores themes of love, betrayal, identity, and the enduring pull of the past, offering an unflinching portrait of Irish society.
Maria O’Meara, Director of Rooms at Great Southern Killarney, welcomed the production, saying, “Welcoming such a gripping and powerful production into the hotel is a wonderful way to celebrate creativity and culture. Creating memorable experiences has always been at the heart of the Great Southern Killarney, and we are proud to host an evening that brings people together through the arts.”
Theatregoers can enjoy an exclusive pre-theatre dining experience. A special menu will be available at the five-star Great Southern Hotel’s Arbor Restaurant for €55 per person. Dining reservations can be secured in advance by calling 086 663 8000 or by emailing events@greatsouthernkillarney.com.
The play runs for two hours, including a brief intermission, and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Show tickets must be booked in advance online via Eventbrite at https://bythebogofcats.eventbrite.com

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