Check out the Good Friday queues for the bar at the Aviva

By Stephen Barry

The Republic of Ireland are playing the first of their Euro 2016 warm-up games at the Aviva Stadium tonight, but all people were talking about beforehand was the availability of drink.

With all pubs and off licences closed for Good Friday, a ban which sporting events are exempt from, fans were reported to be arriving early at the Aviva for some ‘pre-gaming’.

Alcohol not on general sale in Ireland Good Friday due to Catholic zealotry, but sold at stadium. The concourse: pic.twitter.com/upPBqgnF5A

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) March 25, 2016

Queues already at Aviva....2 hours before kickoff. Booze queue? More on @tv3news shortly #COYBIG #ROIVSWISS https://t.co/cmiZzNfuEr

— Paul Walsh (@PaulWalsh22_) March 25, 2016

Plenty of people taking advantage of one of the only bars open in the country at the Aviva tonight! #FAI #GoodFriday pic.twitter.com/n0pw9k5Ml7

— sportsfile (@sportsfile) March 25, 2016

Setanta, who are broadcasting the game, were quick to break down the main action.

And it wasn’t just the evil drink that was attracting fans.

Drink and hot dogs at the Aviva. It's like Good Friday never existed pic.twitter.com/1vveenouEb

— Dion Fanning (@dionfanning) March 25, 2016

Not that there weren’t lessons to be learned from the whole affair.

€6 a pint in the Aviva. No wonder Jesus didn't want us drinking today

— Conor Casey (@conorhcasey) March 25, 2016

But those who stayed at the bar too long got their divine comeuppance after only two minutes.

Feel sorry for the fella that's waiting on his pint and just missed the goal 😂😂 #Clark #1-0 #Éire

— Cobsie (@Craigob99) March 25, 2016

GOAL - How many will say "I missed the goal, I was in the bar on a Good Friday" #IRLSUI #COYBIG #GoodFriday pic.twitter.com/2wdB1CalZf

— sportsfile (@sportsfile) March 25, 2016