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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Ciara Phelan

Gardai forced to shut several pubs in Dublin after All-Ireland final crowds spark Covid fears

Gardaí were forced to shut a number of pubs around Croke Park on Sunday after crowds gathered for the All-Ireland final.

Pictures and videos shared on social media show crowds packed on streets with no social distancing and little mask wearing.

It comes as the Government is under pressure to allow live music events to resume after thousands of GAA fans gathered on the streets around Croke Park for the clash between Limerick and Cork.

Gardaí have said while inspecting premises during the All Ireland final, they asked a number of pubs to temporarily stop trading “in the interest of public safety.”

In a statement to the Irish Mirror, gardaí have also said they are carrying out enquiries into alleged breaches of Covid-19 regulations at one of the premises they asked to shut.

A garda spokesman said: “As part of the policing plan for yesterday's All Ireland Final, and following reports of anti-social behaviour and a lack of social distancing among crowds, Gardaí conducted a number of inspections of licensed premises in the Croke Park Area.

“A number of these premises were asked to temporarily cease trading in the interest of public safety.

“Gardaí are carrying out enquiries into alleged breaches of Covid Regulations at one of these premises.”

The Event Industry Alliance has slammed the Taoiseach, the Tanáiste and the Health Minister after they “failed to attend” a meeting for the live events sector last week.

In a statement on Monday, they said their industry is being “discriminated” against by the Government.

The body, which represents thousands of workers across the live entertainment industry, pointed out no testing or proof of vaccination was required for 40,000 fans to attend the All-Ireland final.

Event Industry Alliance member and event promoter, Justin Green said: “This is a shameful indictment of the Government, which demonstrates a clear and blatant disregard for the Live Entertainment and Event sector, and shows complete contempt for every Irish citizen.”

The body has said a meeting is to take place on Wednesday with Government officials but they are calling on the Taoiseach to attend “to show the €3.5 billion sector and its 35,000 workers and their families, the respect they deserve.”

Fine Gael TD for Galway East Ciarán Cannon tweeted: “Delighted for all GAA fans that attendance at matches is possible again, but it’s simply no longer credible to argue that what’s happening in Dublin today is safer than musicians performing to a couple of hundred people indoors. It’s not.”

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