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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Mark O'Brien

Pubs near Croke Park ordered to close by gardai due to social distancing concerns following All Ireland final

A number of pubs near Croke Park were ordered to temporarily close after reports of anti-social behaviour and lack of social distancing following yesterday's All Ireland hurling final.

The pubs were closed "in the interest of public safety" after gardai inspected a number of bars near the northside venue.

One venue is now also being investigated for alleged breaches of Covid regulations.

A garda spokesman told Dublin Live: "As part of the policing plan for yesterdays 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 scenes came after Limerick defeated Cork by 3-32 to 1-22 to claim their second Liam McCarthy Cup in a row.

The thrilling final was attended by 40,000 people but the scenes of large crowds gathered in the area prompted outrage from musicians and artists who called for the resumptions of gigs and performances.

A video showing crowds packed tightly together on Dorset Street went viral as musicians called for the chance to be allowed to return to performing.

Fine Gael TD Ciaran Cannon, who is also a musician, said: "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."

While lead singer of The Blizzards added: "Delighted for GAA too. Craic and celebration.

"Exactly what you would expect and government fully understood this.

"Yet the only word we heard any of our leaders say on matter is when our Taoiseach dismissed the industry on RTÉ news.

"No spin, no pr. They don’t value the arts"

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