The Ireland of 1927 was a completely different state of mind. It must have been to ban the sale and trading of alcohol throughout the country.
A potent combination of politics and religion kept the ban there for the past 91 years.
Masked Alcohol Section
A masked off alcohol section was a common sight in shops up to very lately as the sale of drink also applied to the small shop and supermarket alike.
Lifting the Ban Made News
The lifting of the ban in 2018 made far more news that did its imposition in 1927.
For people whose daily round involves a spell in their favourite public house and who believe they have no where else to go – it will be a welcome change.
Religious Observence and Tradition
For others, a mixture of religious observance and tradition itself makes them regret the change and the sight of open public house doors on a hitherto ‘black day.’
Most of the pubs in Castleisland are open today. Betty O’Connell at Kearney’s Bar ruled herself out of opening her doors on Good Friday as soon as the lifting of the ban was announced.
Keen Eyed Men
Gone now are the days when groups of keen eyed men would congregate around the corners watching for any sign of hope and listening for a creak of a pub door – back or front.
Christmas Day Next
“It’s a pity – for the sake of two days in the year. The Christmas Day ban will be the next to go I guarantee you,” said one unimpressed local woman.
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