IT’S SUPER SATURDAY! »
» Punters pack Revellers hit » Drinkers hail pubs after tough watering holes ‘return to life as rules are relaxed at first chance normal again’
THE nation yesterday celebrated “Super Saturday” as happy drinkers packed into pubs to toast the ending of some of the world’s toughest restrictions.
For the first time in two years punters were allowed to stand and sit at the bar and the public made the most of their new-found freedoms.
Spirits were high as many watering holes opened early with the lifting of most curbs on society in effect from 6am yesterday.
The hated 8pm curfew is no more – and pubs and restaurants can trade without the need for social distancing or Covid certification passes. Pubs and bars around Dublin city centre started filling up yesterday afternoon as brisk trade marked what is hopefully the end of the lockdown era.
Daniel Smith, a barman at Grogans pub, said the atmosphere was “brilliant”. He added: “Obviously it’s a great day. It’s been a long time coming – this is 22 months in the making now. “To finally get back feels a bit surreal.
“Plenty of times during the last two years, we didn’t think we’d ever make this day, so to finally get back there is special.”
Meanwhile, pubs in the centre of Drogheda were packed yesterday afternoon while others operated a booking system for the evening because of huge demand for tables.
Many of the drinkers said that they were especially celebrating the ending of the 8pm closing time and the six person table limit. In the Admirals Bar – Drogheda’s busiest pub – the celebrations were in full swing yesterday.
Pals Vinnie Carolan and Desmond Coyle, who have been friends since they were infants, said that the lifting of the restrictions was like the country being liberated.
Vinnie said: “It’s great to be back to what passes for normal and being able to go to the bar to get a drink.
“It’s like being liberated or a cloud that’s been lifted off us.”
James Stafford, who comes from Flanagan’s Terrace in the town said that it has been very hard on some people for the past two years.
He said: “There is a great sense of freedom and as you can see everyone is happy and enjoying themselves.
“I know there was a pandemic but it has been very hard on some people
Plenty of times during the last two years, we didn’t think we’d ever make this day DANIEL SMITH LEFT, YESTERDAY
and some people are still afraid to come out.
“But now that the restrictions are lifted people will see there’s nothing to be afraid of and they’ll get used to the things that we used to take for granted.”
Jim Kelly added: “It’s just great to have everything back the way it was and hopefully it will stay that way.”
Bartender Sandra Brangan said the pub had been packed since early morning. She added: “It’s been mad busy all day. We’re open at 8am and it’s been busy since then. If you look around you can see that everyone is enjoying themselves and you can actually see that everything is back to normal.” Meanwhile on the other side of the town in Gleeson’s John Clarke from Hillview was enjoying a pint at the bar for the first time in almost two years. He said: “It’s great to be able to enjoy a pint sitting on the high stool again. Thank
God they’ve changed the rules, I just hope we don’t have to put up with that crap again.”
Liam Murray added: “It’s been a long road and I’m delighted that it’s over. I think the whole country deserves a pint.”
The removal of restrictions came as the Department of Health reported 6,689 new cases of Covid-19, with 3,911 positive antigen tests logged through the HSE portal.there were
836 people with Covid-19 in hospitals around this country as of 8am yesterday – down 56 from Friday.
Some 78 patients are being treated in intensive care units – a decline of 10 and the lowest number of Covid-19 patients in ICU since November 8, 2021.
Live events and sporting events can now return to full capacity, with bumper crowds expected at several fixtures across the weekend.
Guidance advising limits on household visits has been removed and workers across Ireland will return to offices on a staggered basis from tomorrow.
NPHET will review the impact of the lifting of restrictions on February 17.
It’s great to be able to enjoy a pint sitting on the high stool again JOHN CLARKE LEFT, AT GLEESONS BAR IN DROGHEDA