St Patrick's Festival organisers hit back after drink criticism

The organisers of Cork’s St Patrick’s Festival have launched a robust defence of the event, insisting that it’s a safe, family-friendly event which prohibits the promotion of alcohol.

The city council issued a strongly-worded statement yesterday defending its management of the festival and rejecting assertions that public drinking and drunkenness have marred previous events.

It followed calls from FG Cllr John Buttimer for the designation of alcohol-free zones at this year’s three-day event.