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.

“I leave that to the minister for justice, who has responsibility for licensing,” she said.

“We’ve had this problem before, and we’ve had issues like this emerge before, and we’ve always found ways around it at the same time.

“I think what’s important here is that it’s not just about having the craic and having the laugh. 

"We have serious sportsmen and women who are doing fantastic work and achieving so much. 

"So there doesn’t always have to be that alcohol angle to it at the same time. [But] it obviously adds to some of the viewing for people, as well.”

Troy Parrott and co will travel to Prague next week for the crucial World Cup playoff on Thursday, March 26, after their heroics last November.

If Ireland overcome the Czechs, a winner-takes-all game will follow against either Denmark or North Macedonia the following Tuesday to make it to North America.

As per the draw, Ireland would have two games in Mexico and one in Atlanta, Georgia, but the Mexican kick-off times would be in the middle of the night Irish time.

In January, Independent TD Barry Heneghan told the Irish Examiner an extension to licensing hours should be time-limited and temporary, arguing it would allow people to come together safely to cheer on the Boys in Green.

Asked if travelling Irish fans should be wary of the US immigration force ICE if they should make it that far, Ms McEntee said she hopes it is not a concern they will have.

“This is a celebration of a fantastic sport,” she added.

“And it’s about bringing people together.

“We all need to pull together and make sure that if people are coming over for the matches, that it’s an enjoyable time.”