Relationship with drink is 'unhealthy'
NOVEMBER 1979
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Wednesday November 04 2009
MORE young people in Kerry are drinking now, at a much younger age and for all the wrong reasons.
And, according to Father Jimmy O'Connell, Diocesan Youth Director, society's high level of tolerance for the boozer is partly to blame.
In Kerry, young people can get drink, and plenty of it, with relative ease. And much of this drink is served in public houses despite the law which prohibits its sale to those under 18 years of age.
In 1977 a drink survey amongst young people in Killarney, carried out by students from Loreto Convent and St. Brendan's College, revealed that the largest group of young people over 16 years who took alcohol, both boys and girls, got drink in pubs.
Fr. O'Connell is concerned about the future. This is because of the large number of young people who take to the booze even in their early teens. He feels, however, that publicans could do more by making it clear that to their staffs not to sell drink to those underage.
"We have an unhealthy attitude nationally to drink. What is needed is more education on the dangers of alcoholism and the proper use of drink," Father O'Connell thinks that it is a healthy thing for parents to introduce their children to drink, in the home, and under controlled circumstances.
"Young people must be taught a respect for drink," he said. Fr. O'Connell said he was well aware of the fact that young wage earners, in some cases, have developed into very heavy drinkers.
