A heartwarming image of an elderly man using an alarm clock in a pub has prompted sadness and anger at the Government's coronavirus restrictions.
Pandemic rules at bars mean that there is a limit of 105 minutes - an hour and 45 minutes - to sitting and having food and drink at one establishment.
However, pre-booking and time limited slots of 105 minutes are not a requirement if physical distancing of two metres is strictly maintained.
But one man took the restrictions very seriously, using an alarm clock to time his stay so that he was taking as little risk as possible while still enjoying a pint and a bite to eat.
The picture, taken in McGinn's Hop House in Galway, shows him settling back with a half-empty Guinness and substantial meal on the table in front, as well as the clock, as he looks out of a window.
McGinn's posted the image on its Facebook page and added: "Poor man’s worried he’s over stay (sic) the 90mins."
Kieran O'Malley also tweeted the photo and said: "I'm not able.... this little old man has an alarm clock on the table so he doesn't stay over the 90min in McGinns in Galway..."
He later added: "So many lovely comments here.... I've just called in to McGinns and dropped a few quid in behind the bar for the man who's called Finbarr on behalf of all the lovely people here."
The shot prompted sad and angry comments from those on social media, as they hit out at restrictions that were "marginalising and isolating" the elderly.
Ciaran Murphy said on the original Facebook post: "We should ask every member of the Government to comment on this photograph, and to see what you are doing to elderly people all over the country. Hit the soft targets, ignore the real issues. I hope ye are proud of yourselves."
Karen Murphy added: "My heart goes out to the older generation their living in fear on all levels .... let him enjoy his few pints."
Marianna McGrath posted: "A picture paints a thousand words - so sad this man can’t enjoy his few pints without having to worry about the time!!"
Mike Grealish said: "Poor Devil, this useless Government has the life frightened out of the older generation."
Ann Massey added: "All my 86 year old uncle wanted was to have a bit of company, put on a few bets in Paddy Power and have a small bite to eat out in town. That was his life. He committed suicide in June. The government are not protecting the elderly, they are marginalising and isolating them."
Evelyn Barrett Maye said: "Heartbreaking photo. The elderly living in fear because some lad in an office picked the numbers 90 mins and 9 euro out of his A###. The whole drama around covid isn't only frightening for many... It's cruel."
