An evolving society - Embracing the Ireland of today

IT seems somehow appropriate to close what was a truly incredible and distressing week with a very pronounced move away from the traditions, cultural and religious, that were the most powerful influence on the character and behaviour of this society for well over a century.

Systems, especially belief systems, are brought into disrepute when a society that took their principles to heart see them ignored and broken on a gargantuan scale. That those who ignored those mores, if not the laws of this society, seem to avoid sanction of any kind can only add to the sense of obsolescence surrounding once-honoured belief systems.

Nevertheless, very considerable numbers of people will have taken offence, and in some instances felt genuine hurt, that the usual Good Friday strictures were overthrown yesterday and that pubs right across the country were open for business, though only some in Limerick city were allowed to sell alcohol.