Golf club ruling in line with our historically peculiar idea of equality

MR JUSTICE Kevin O’Higgins concluded that Portmarnock golf club “is not a discriminating club under the terms of the Equal Status Act 2000, because it falls within an exception provided for in that act”.

If that is so, then it is just another instance in which the law is an ass. In his ruling the judge said the golf club could be run on the same basis as a Catholics-only chess club, or a Bulgarians-only bridge club.

If Portmarnock golf club has the rights of a Catholics-only chess club, does it not follow the chess club has the rights of Portmarnock and thus should be entitled to a club licence to sell alcohol not only to members but also to guests.