Pubs may be allowed open early for World Cup matches if Ireland qualifies 

Helen McEntee stresses that supporting Irish sportsmen who are 'doing fantastic work and achieving so much' is 'not just about having the craic'

Troy Parrott celebrates with Séamus Coleman after defeating Hungary last November when Parrott's hat-trick helped earn the Republic of Ireland a place in the qualifiers for Fifa World Cup 2026. Picture: Ryan Byrne/Inpho 
 

If Ireland’s men’s football team make it to the Fifa World Cup, a Government decision will be taken “at the time” on amending licensing laws to allow pubs open for the early morning matches, the foreign affairs minister has said.

Ahead of the pivotal match against Czechia next week, Helen McEntee made the remarks as she launched the Government’s International Sports Diplomacy strategy at Boston’s Fenway Park on Monday.