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		Drinks manufacturer Diageo has defended the holding of its annual &quot;Arthur&#39;s Day&quot; celebrations after singer Christy Moore described it as an &#39;alcoholiday&#39; in a song.</p>
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		Moore said he will release the song, which is highly critical of the event, next Thursday, when Arthur&#39;s Day takes place.</p>
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		In a statement, Diageo described Arthur&#39;s Day as a unique music event enjoyed by millions, which supports emerging Irish music.</p>
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		The company also said it promotes responsible drinking and discourages alcohol misuse all-year round.</p>
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		In the song called Arthur&#39;s Day, Moore sings that the event is designed by advertising men, with medics working overtime and in the firing line, while Diageo goes AWOL at closing time.</p>
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		Alcohol Action Ireland has welcomed the singer&#39;s intervention.</p>
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		<a href="http://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0919/475334-christy-moore-diageo/">http://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0919/475334-christy-moore-diageo/</a></div>
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