‘Gobsmacking’ effects of sugary drinks ban

One of Ireland’s leading experts on obesity said he is ‘gobsmacked’ by the results of a ban on sugar-laden fizzy drinks for under-age players introduced five years ago by a soccer club in Sligo.

The ban has been a runaway success, according to officials at Strand Celtic Soccer Club.

Professor Donal O’Shea encouraged the water-only policy and returned to the club at the weekend to mark the fifth anniversary of the ban on energy drinks.