1984 Revisited: Calling last orders on the holy hour

On March 29, 1984, the LVA voted to put an end to the holy hour. It was a close run thing, 60% in favour, 40% against pulling the shutter down on a long standing tradition

Its originator was Kevin O’Higgins, the first minister for home affairs in the new free State. O’Higgins was a man considered, in his legislative habits, to be a touch authoritarian. Picture: An Cosantoir magazine

While world superpowers debated détente and the recession bit hungrily at home, a momentous decision was taken among the keepers of the national thirst.

On March 29, 1984, the Dublin based Licenced Vintners Association (LVA) voted to put an end to the holy hour. It was a close run thing, 60% in favour, 40% against pulling the shutter down on a long standing tradition.