Moore's anti-Arthur's Day song gathers momentum

But this year there appears to be a growing groundswell of disquiet in the runup to the event, with doctors among the dissenting voices warning that the event glorifies the consumption of alcohol in a country that has an unhealthy relationship with drink.

Now a song written by Christy Moore some months back has been adopted as an unofficial anthem of the 'anti-Arthur's Day' movement.

In the tune Moore describes the event as an 'alcoholiday' and sings:

"Arthur's alcoholiday is comin' round again.

He's the patron saint of porter canonized by the advertising men.

The medics in the ambulance will be working overtime.

The A&E 'll be like a drunk tank, in the firing line.

While Diageo goes AWOL at closing time'

However despite the criticism Diageo has defended the event, saying said Guinness was showcasing emerging Irish music talent by offering them a stage at over 500 music events.

The company said it had implemented a responsible drinking awareness campaign around Arthur’s Day and given clear advice to pubs creating their own events.

In particular, it was encouraging all 500 participating pubs to give our free water and food at the larger ticketed venues.

The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland will hold a public meeting in Dublin tonight to discuss the country’s relationship with alcohol.

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