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# National Holiday
'We can celebrate without getting drunk': Pioneers release St Patrick's Day message
Ireland’s national holiday is often synonymous with drinking.
THE PIONEER TOTAL Abstinence Association (PTAA) has asked people to not abuse alcohol on St Patrick’s Day.
Speaking at the launch of the PTAA’s nationwide fundraising appeal for 2017 today, Raymond O’Connor, project coordinator of the Pioneers, said: “We want everyone to enjoy our national holiday – a day in which we take pride in being Irish.
“But we know it is also a day that can be marred by the fallout from excessive drinking. So we’re asking those who drink to do so sensibly and in moderation.”
O’Connor said St Patrick’s Day should be a family day, adding: “We want to show our young people that we can enjoy and celebrate as a nation without having to get drunk.”
The PTAA promotes and encourages people to drink in moderation and its own members abstain from drinking alcohol.
Financial appeal
O’Connor said the fundraising appeal is necessary to “ensure the financial viability” of the association both in Ireland and overseas.
The Jesuits have supported the association since its foundation in 1898. From January 2018 onwards, this involvement will cease and the PTAA will operate as a private lay association.
In terms of fundraising, O’Connor said: “Any money we receive from people will help sustain the association in its efforts to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol abuse in our society.”
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