Three Dublin pubs were yesterday given the go-ahead to open for Ireland's early morning matches with strict conditions that customers be limited to ticket-holding fans.
The proprietors of Frazers of O'Connell Street, Sidewalk of Findlater Place, and Hill 16, Gardiner Street, also undertook to take personal responsibility that fans would not be allowed to drink so much that it might give rise to public order offences.
Dublin District Court heard the Celtic FC Supporters Club, which regularly gathers to watch its team's matches in Frazers and Sidewalk, wanted to get together for Ireland's two early morning fixtures beginning with the Cameroon game this Saturday at 7.30 a.m. and the Saudi Arabia match at 10 a.m. on June 6th. The Hill 16 wanted a similar facility for a strictly limited 80 regulars who would enjoy a full Irish breakfast while watching the match.
As pubs cannot normally open until 10.30, they need special exemptions. Gardaí objected because of fears about possible public order incidents from fans who might be drinking the night before the games.
