I wonder what the feeling among Dublin's "soccer" enthusiasts is in regard to the restrictions on movements in the Phoenix Park. I am sure that, if the regulations continue for any great length of time, we will have protests from many quarters, as the park serves a great need in relation to playing fields.
There are more than thirty soccer grounds in the Fifteen Acres, and there are two matches played on each every Sunday, and at least one every Saturday on the majority of them. That means that about 1,500 lusty young men are deprived of their weekly game, and another ten thousand, perhaps, are deprived of the pleasure to be derived from watching the stalwarts perform.
This is merely the "soccer" end of things. There is also the Gaelic games section, which is well patronised and caters for large numbers of hurlers, Gaelic footballers and camogie players every week-end, as well as on Wednesday.
The people who used the park for an occasional canter on horseback will either have to restrict their activities or else confine their rides to the roads and a small part of the grassland. The restriction will affect the incomes of the stable owners in Parkgate street and Montpelier Hill, but the general opinion seems to be that the restrictions will not be left long in force.
The Irish Times, March 22nd, 1941.