Ireland hosting Switzerland was never going to be the most attractive of friendlies to supporters, unless Ireland defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina in their play-off and Euro 2016 fever begins to take hold.
Even then, neither side is known for their attacking football but the FAI may have found a fail-safe in the chosen date for the game, March 25th, or Good Friday.
The Aviva Stadium has an exemption to sell alcohol on the holy day for sporting events, a fact which may make thirsty fans much keener to make the trip.
Ireland v Switzerland on March 25. Doesn't set the pulse racing? It's Good Friday so pubs closed. But the Aviva can serve booze #cunning
— Paul Mallon (@PaulMallon1) October 23, 2015
@cooper_m But if UEFA govern the game (unlikely, as a friendly) they have a separate no-alcohol policy at any of their fixtures...
— Gavan Reilly (@gavreilly) October 23, 2015
The news may mean publicans may seek to replicate a 2010 court ruling which allowed Limerick pubs to open on Good Friday for a Munster-Leinster clash in Thomond Park.
An Irish Examiner report from the time noted that: “In his ruling, Judge Tom O’Donnell said it would be absurd to have drink available in Thomond Park while local pubs would be closed.”