Drinks firm defends Arthur’s Day event

Drinks giant Diageo has been forced to defend its Arthur’s Day celebration — a Guinness-sponsored music event — after it was attacked by doctors and well-known personalities.

Doctors have said, that with high rates of alcohol abuse and liver disease, Ireland did not need another campaign promoting alcohol consumption.

Singer Christy Moore and the Waterboys are releasing anti-Arthur’s Day songs on Thursday to coincide with the event, which has also been condemned by actor Gabriel Byrne and popular writer Marian Keyes.