The death of the Irish Pub

The current low level of fatalities on our roads is a significant achievement attributed to the Drink Driving legislation. However I have to take issue with The Irish Times editorial statement  (Jan 28th)“A sympathetic ear has been lent, all too often, to those who grumble that a traditional
way of life is being destroyed”.

In the last ten years I have witnessed a serious decline in not only social life but in the very culture that
defines us as a race and as a nation. Ten years ago (2000) the pubs were packed, impromptu music sessions common in the pubs and the place was alive with tunes and chat. These pubs are dead now. There are few people going out and there is no music and little social life.
Sessions enabled young musicians to pick up tunes and allowed them the opportunity to play in public. A way of life is gone and our very culture is under threat.
The social aspect too must not be underestimated. According to the Irish Times at least 520 people took their own lives in 2009 which was an increase of 25% on the previous year. The figures for 2010 are similar. The figures for rural areas are highest. Human beings need each other. In cities there are many opportunities to interact as pubs are easily accessible and but in sparsely populated areas the pub
played central role in community life.
I accept the need for safety on the roads but the high price that we as a people  have paid for it must not be underestimated

AEOS - why are we still waiting?

With thousands of farmers finishing up REPS 3 many are in serious Financial difficulty. AEOS is certainly no get rich quick scheme but 5,000 (max payment) will make a significant contribution to households in the west.