Connacht rugby fans may enjoy Good Friday tipple too

Date Published: 29-Mar-2010

By Dara Bradley

Connacht Rugby will be expecting a sell-out crowd at the Sportsground this Good Friday – the stadium, along with Ceannt Station, could be the only place in the city where you can legally purchase an alcoholic drink on the religious fast day.

All the hype in the last few weeks surrounded the sale of alcohol in Thomond Park and Limerick City pubs for the Munster and Leinster rugby match on Good Friday but the Sentinel has learned that Connacht rugby supporters could be able to enjoy a drink at the Magners League clash with Edinburgh at the College Road venue this Good Friday (6pm).

Galway Greyhound Track holds a specific licence that, in theory, could allow it to serve alcohol from about 5.30pm to 8.30pm on Good Friday during the match.

It is understood management at Galway Greyhound Track met with Bórd na gCon, the Greyhound Racing Board, last night on the issue.

Fintan Monaghan of Galway Greyhound Track told the Sentinel he was “exploring the possibility” of selling alcohol during the Connacht Edinburgh match.

The Attorney General is said to be examining the decision by a District Court Judge in Limerick to grant city pubs a special licence to open from 6pm to 11.30pm for the Munster Rugby match. The ruling may yet be challenged and Mr Monaghan said Galway Greyhound Stadium is “waiting to see the Attorney General’s position” before making a decision.

“We are open for Connacht Rugby on Friday and we are exploring the possibility of selling alcohol – we can’t have the Munster lads getting the better of the Connacht lads,” he added.