Publicans cheer Good Friday opening

Publicans in Limerick have dismissed claims that opening on Good Friday is disrepecting religious tradition.

Yesterday a landmark court ruling in the city granted an exemption to allow pubs serve drink on Good Friday.

It was granted to accommodate the 26,000 rugby fans that will descend on Limerick to watch Munster and Leinster clash at Thomand Park - an event worth around €7m to the city.

Publican and football legend Páidi Ó Sé said it's simply a sign of the times.

"It's a very genuine reason," Ó Sé said. "It's common sense."

"I think that a very genuine effort was also made to fix the game on the Thursday and on the day after."