One hundred years after dancer Germaine Aymos scandalised Paris by appearing at the Moulin Rouge dressed only in three petite seashells, "exotic" dancing girls were scheduled to arrive in the Marble City, writes Michael Parsonsin Kilkenny
And then they got stage fright.
The much-anticipated opening of Kilkenny's pole- and lap-dancing club turned into a damp squib as the promised opportunity to watch "on-stage entertainment, or choose to have a private VIP dance in a cosy and relaxed environment", failed to materialise.
The licensed premises, still unnamed but likely to be called Whispers, did indeed open its doors - but only as a pub.
The owners said they wished to "avoid a media circus" and would "leave matters to cool down for a while" before the "lap dancing business gets under way in the next few weeks".
However, at 8pm, so great was the media circus outside that the owner opened the doors allowing the media inside.
He introduced Erika (22), a barmaid from Slovakia, and Steph (23), from Glasgow, a pole- and lap-dancer. Both were dressed in fishnet tights and black skimpy tops, and posed for cameramen.
Co-owner Dave Coughlan was unhappy about suggestions concerning employing "trafficked women".
Most councillors in Kilkenny are vehemently opposed to the project, claiming it will act as a magnet for stag and hen parties, "exploit women", and cheapen the town's image as a cultural tourist destination.
Mayor Cllr Marie Fitzpatrick (Lab) announced that she will host an "open event to discuss human trafficking and the sex industry" at noon today.
Media voxpops reveal that public opinion in Kilkenny is divided - ranging from outright opposition to enthusiastic support.
A Fine Gael councillor who did not wish to be named commented, "It'll do some business during the ploughing", in a reference to the huge crowds expected when Kilkenny hosts the National Ploughing Championships later in the year.
A small protest group gathered outside the premises and held up placards for the news media.
They included members of the John Paul II Society, Thurles, Co Tipperary.
Also taking part in the protest were members of Kilkenny's Legion of Mary and a number of concerned citizens.
A number of women held posters showing scenes of the crucifixion with the slogan "Most Holy Trinity, Have Mercy on Ireland!"