Dublin’s O’Connell Street was far from deserted on the National Day of Mourning, despite the closure of virtually all businesses in the city centre.
On a street that is often seen as one giant takeaway zone, none of them was opened. While one had a sign saying it would open at 6 p.m., others made it clear they would remain closed all day.
The closure was used by animal-rights activists to plaster slogans on the doors of one large fast-food chain.
The only commercial premises open on O’Connell St were: a chemist; a beauty salon; two amusement arcades; a travel agency; and an Internet and telephone shop.
As for later on, the Irish Nightclub Industry Association (INIA) has advised all its members throughout the country, not to open tonight "as a mark of respect for those who were killed and injured in last Tuesday’s horrific events in New York and Washington".
Their statement also said: "We offer our deepest sympathies to all involved and assure their families and friends that they are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of hurt."
A spokesman for the INIA said the advice is likely to be broadly heeded. "From what contacts we’ve had around the country it looks like most of them will stay closed.
"The public mood is such that the nightclubs should close," the spokesman said.
A publican down the country said that although most pubs have stayed closed so far today, most would be reopening this evening. "The very people that need a place to eat are the Americans," the publican said.
"Ninety-five per cent of our business during the day at this time of year is from tourists and a lot of them are American.
"Several Americans were looking in the window here as we were cleaning and preparing to open up," he said.
