A controversial Leaving Cert results party in Limerick has been cancelled following criticism by parents, teachers and gardaí.
The "Leaving Cert Bash", as it had been advertised in a Limerick newspaper, was offering a "massive drinks promotion", "free cocktails" and "sexy dancers".
The party at The Gallery nightclub in the George Hotel, Limerick, was due to get under way this afternoon and continue into the early hours.
According to the half-page advertisement, students who produced their exam results on arrival would be entitled to a free cocktail to get the festivities under way.
However, following public criticisms it was confirmed last night that the party had been cancelled.
"For the past 20 years the hotel has run a special Leaving Cert party, but following the publicity and consultation with gardaí we decided to cancel the event," said the hotel manager, Mr Dermot Hartigan.
A Garda spokesman said officers had contacted the hotel and made it clear that such drinks promotions aimed at young people were not acceptable.
Earlier the proposed marathon party had been widely condemned by interest groups.
The president of the National Parents' Council (NPC), Ms Eleanor Petrie, said such events were effectively promoting an Ibiza Uncovered culture among youngsters in Ireland.
"I think it's horrendous that we should persuade our young people that the only way they can celebrate is by getting out of their minds with alcohol. There are many other suitable ways to celebrate finishing 14 years of formal education," she said.
The NPC president also pointed out that such drinks promotions had already been banned on certain third-level campuses.
The principal of Laurel Hill School in Limerick, Ms Ann Mordan, said she did not wish to comment on any particular event, but she added that she would regret "if such a great occasion was going to be celebrated in such a manner".
The George Hotel had earlier dismissed claims that Leaving Cert students as young as 16 and 17 years of age would have access to alcohol at the party.
The hotel had stressed that students would have been asked to produce official ID showing they were over 18 to gain admission.