For decades, the sale of alcohol was banned in this State on St Patrick's Day. That changed with the advent of increased prosperity and an emphasis on individual rights.
And while few people would wish to recreate the oppressive, doctrinaire regime that operated back then, we do need to confront old demons and learn to celebrate our national day in a joyful, but sober fashion.
We disgraced ourselves last year. What should have been an enjoyable and carefree family day out in Dublin city centre degenerated into a hostile atmosphere as alcohol-fuelled young people engaged in threatening and inappropriate behaviour. Beer cans were everywhere. And there was a shortage of gardaí.
Earlier this month, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Michael Conaghan, suggested that off-licences should remain closed until 6pm on St Patrick's Day in order to curb public drunkenness. He got a predictable response. But it should not end there. There was a particular problem with under-aged drinking last year. And most of that alcohol came from off-licences. Later that night, however, pubs came into their own across the State. And public order offences multiplied. The Garda has a role to play. But so do parents and publicans.
The kind of initiative taken in Cork to combat binge drinking should become widespread. There, staff members of hotels, pubs and nightclubs have undergone training in conjunction with the Garda and the emergency services. As a result, public order offences have declined as has the number of admissions to hospital. Those who sell alcohol have a responsibility to ensure it does not go to under-aged persons and that their patrons do not become a danger to themselves or to others.
There has been an enormous change in the way St Patrick's Day is celebrated in Ireland. Drab commercial floats have been replaced by an explosion of colour, style and imagination, with marching bands and phantasmagorical displays involving children and adults dressed as elegant birds, beasts and flowers. The celebrations have become an important tourist attraction. Such artistic achievements should make us proud. But nobody wants to witness a drunken spectacle.
Warm and fine weather is forecast for the coming parades, after weeks of cold and icy conditions. Spring is here with the promise of growth and a new beginning. We should not spoil the celebrations through alcohol abuse. It is a day for fun and family entertainment, not for indulging in destructive impulses. Many people will, of course, take a social drink. But, in enjoying the day, they should avoid "drowning" the shamrock.