Call to extend pub opening times if Ireland qualifies for World Cup

Ottoline Spearman

There are calls for pubs to be allowed later opening times for this summer's World Cup if Ireland qualifies.

The boys in green must win two matches away in March and April to qualify, starting with a play-off against Czechia in Prague on March 26th.

The winner of the match would face either North Macedonia or Denmark to secure a place in the finals.

Speaking on Newstalk, Independent TD for Dublin Bay North Barry Heneghan said that later opening times are a no-brainer, as if Ireland qualifies, many of the matches would be in the middle of the night.

"If we start looking at this now... it shows the team that we are fully behind them, the government is fully behind them... and we really are making it a reality."

Mr Heneghan proposed this to the justice minister in a parliamentary question, but has yet to receive a response.

A spokesperson for the Vinter's Federation of Ireland told the Irish Examiner that major sporting events bring a "much-needed boost to trade”

“Allowing flexibility around opening hours for World Cup matches would recognise that reality and help make the most of what would be a significant national occasion,” they said.