Singles will have to ‘get courting done early’ as judge denies Lisdoonvarna licence extension

Festival-goers heading to Ireland's famous Lisdoonvarna matchmaking festival in September will need to "get their courting done early" after a judge rejected an application for extended alcohol service hours. Judge Adrian Harris ruled that pubs in the north Clare town can only serve until 1:30 a.m. on four weekends during the month-long event, a reduction from the 2:30 a.m. requested.

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Let the message go out – they are going to have to get their courting done early.

The decision came after a Garda objection, with Sergeant Conor Barrett of Ennistymon Garda station explaining that police resources in Clare will be significantly strained in September. The county is also hosting the Amgen Irish Open golf tournament in Doonbeg and the prestigious Walker Cup in Lahinch, in addition to the matchmaking festival.

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The poor man from north Mayo or the woman from west Cork trying to find a wife or a husband will have to curtail their evening.

Solicitor John Casey, representing the Lisdoonvarna publicans, expressed frustration, suggesting the ruling would curtail the evening for ordinary attendees while catering to potentially high-profile visitors. "The poor man from north Mayo or the woman from west Cork trying to find a wife or a husband will have to curtail their evening," Casey argued, emphasizing that the later hours are crucial for romance and making plans.

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I always say that the last half-hour or hour is very important for the romance: the drinking stops, the chat begins and plans are made.

In a similar blow to revelers, Judge Harris also denied a request for pubs in the seaside resort of Lahinch to serve until 2 a.m. during the Walker Cup. A Garda objection citing resource constraints and the need to manage public order led to a 1:30 a.m. closing time being imposed for September 5th and 6th. The judge also considered the impact on local residents in both Lisdoonvarna and Lahinch when making his decisions.

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Sorry, we have a truce. Agreement is agreement. Oshiomhole is my brother, friend and colleague