Health Minister James Reilly said the “sky won’t fall in” if alcohol sports sponsorship is phased out under the Government’s faltering alcohol action plan.

IN his foreword in the National Substance Misuse Strategy steering group report, released last February, group chairman Dr Tony Holohan spoke of Ireland’s “long and sometimes difficult association with alcohol”.

The Stadium Director of the GAA has welcomed suggestions that the sponsorship of sporting and musical events by alcohol companies looks likely to continue for the time being.