Limerick publicans seek longer opening times for Dermot Kennedy gig and All-Ireland semi-final

LIMERICK publicans are seeking permission to open for longer this weekend to serve people attending the Dermot Kennedy gigs and hurling fans returning from the All-Ireland semi-final.

The 'Outnumbered' and 'Power over Me' star is playing three nights in Thomond Park, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

And with more people than normal expected in the city, Robert Byrne, chair of the Limerick branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) confirmed the group will seek permission to allow its members pour pints late into the night.

Speaking to Limerick Live, Mr Byrne confirmed he intends to seek a special exemption under the provisions of the Intoxicating Liquor Act.

Shock as post office in Limerick closes 'until further notice'

"This will allow people after the concert to come in and enjoy a drink in a pub in Limerick. All going well, we'll be open late all three nights," confirmed the proprietor of Bobby Byrne's pub in O'Connell Avenue in the city, "We are not expecting any issues at all after it was granted for the Munster final the last time, so we're looking forward to a late exemption being granted this weekend to allow people in Limerick to come back into town after the gig and enjoy what the city has to offer."

The application is due to be made before a judge at Limerick District Court on Thursday and, if granted, it will allow license-holders in the "county Borough of Limerick and the surrounding built up areas" to open until 2am on Friday night (into Saturday) and 2am on Saturday night (into Sunday).

Publicans will also seek permission to remain open beyond the normal licensing hours on Sunday night.

As well as concert-goers, the news represents a boost to Limerick hurling fans, many of whom will be heading to Dublin to the All-Ireland semi-final match against Galway, with throw-in 6pm at Croke Park.

Whether they are celebrating the Treaty men's fourth-straight final appearance or drowning their sorrows remains to be seen.

Similar exemptions have been granted for other sporting events in the past - most recently last month when publicans were allowed to open at 10.30am on Munster final Sunday, June 11.