Alcoholic drink will be available to rugby fans in Limerick on Good Friday after special licences were granted to three sports clubs yesterday.
Judge Tom O'Donnell granted licences to sell intoxicating liquor this Good Friday in the bars of the pavilions of Shannon and UL-Bohemians rugby clubs as well as in the Limerick Lawn Tennis Club in the city.
Usually, liquor may not be sold except to residents in hotels or in clubs, if they are staying overnight, on either Good Friday or Christmas Day.
Both of the clubs have their headquarters within the grounds of Thomond Park, Limerick, where up to 13,000 fans are expected to attend the Munster v the Rest of Ireland match.
Exemption has been granted to serve drink to members from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the two rugby club bars and from 6.30 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the nearby tennis club on the Ennis Road, which is a popular meeting place after big rugby games.
Mr Pat Barriscale, solicitor, making the application, said there was provision for such an application on behalf of clubs for a special exemption order which was at the discretion of the judge. The judge said it was a very unusual application.