Rugby, football and GAA chiefs have warned that a blanket ban on drinks firms sponsoring major sports events would be disastrous.
They said a "crude" ban of such sponsorship in a bid to tackle the nation's alcohol consumption would suck money from the sporting organisations, which invest large sums to promote healthy lifestyles among youngsters.
The bosses also claimed that there was no empirical evidence to suggest that a ban would result in a drop in the number of people drinking.
Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) chief executive Philip Browne said with proper funding - brought about through sponsorship - the sporting bodies could boost health awareness, with regards to alcohol consumption, obesity and exercise.
"The reality is this goes right down to grassroots sport and we need to be careful that we don't unravel something that is very good and relevant to the nation," Mr Browne said.
Source: Irish Independent, 27/03/13
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