Dublin, Ireland-A Kildare man expressed dissatisfaction this week at what he believes to be a growing difficulty in ‘picking up’ young women at Ireland’s most noteworthy nightspot Copper Face Jacks.

“It’s not as at it once was, all the girls seem to be a bit more up themselves than before” expressed John O’Toole, a primary school teacher now based in North Dublin. “In the old days you could just blow in a girl’s ear and she would have you round the back (for oral sex) in no time”.

It’s believed that the popular perception of female attendees at Coppers being ‘more up themselves’, or having greater pride and dignity, is symptomatic of a significant change in the demographics of those attending the Harcourt Street club. Many patrons have spoken of an increasing number of middle-class Dubliners’ attending in greater frequency.

This new wave of clientele has been to the chagrin of some, with voiced concern that these so-called ‘blow-ins’ have inextricably altered the charm of a club once known for the loose-morals and frivolity of those who shared its halls on late nights.

“Its awful whats happened, Coppers will never be the same as it was” complained Barry-Joe, a former welder from Westmeath. “Sure the girls might be better looking and dressed than before but if they aint putting out then whats the point of them being there”.

The concerns of men like Barry-Joe have not met with much sympathy from women who frequent the club. Michelle, a 28-year-old solicitor from Blackrock believes that the problem lies with the attitudes of the men seeking attention in the club.

“I don’t think the men there (Coppers) really understand how to talk to girls. You can’t just go up to a girl and ask her if she’s a parking ticket because she’s got fine written all over her, and then hope to have sex with her later. These men need to be more considerate in their approach”.

Michelle’s sentiment has been echoed by many female patrons of the club. Common complaints made against male patrons include; breathing heavily whilst in close proximity to a woman; excessive sweating of the brow and armpits; making fun of one’s mother; and wearing the same shoes that they use for attending Sunday mass.

Despite these comments and recent changes, Coppers is still maintaining its position as one of the capitals busiest nightclubs with ample numbers attending, even on weeknight’s. Some experts believe this to be indicative of ‘social-compromise equilibrium’, a new social theory that posits that small groups tend to gravitate to spots that derive the greatest degree of composite utility (or satisfaction) to the group.

Professor James Murrow, an anthropologist with expertise in group behaviour, believes that Coppers currently offers the best compromise for people seeking a good night out in Dublin.

“Sure there are clubs with loads of pretty people and other clubs where the women are bit more free and loose. But Coppers provides the greatest mix. It may not be as easy for the men as once was but the changing demographics of the past few years mean men are still drawn by the attractiveness of many of the women in attendance. We call this social-compromise equilibrium and Coppers satisfies it like no other”.

Regardless of what theory Coppers purports to satisfy, the changing demography has caused many former regulars to stay away, including a large number of young women.

Amongst those choosing to abandon the old favourite include 29-year-old psychiatric nurse, Sinead Murphy.

“I used to go all the time you know. Sure it was a great place to get chatted up by the fellas. They were no Tom Sellecks like but they were on your wavelength. They were after the ride, we were after the ride and that was all there was too it.” Explained the former Garda from Wexford.

“But I wouldn’t go there now, all the fellas are slobbering after these D4 girls with their high heels and their Chanel No.5. I know they might look great but there’s no craic in them, I’d show these lads something those skinny bitches couldn’t.

The frustration of old patrons like Murphy and O’Toole are not theirs alone and there is strong evidence to suggest that an increasing number of former Coppers patrons of both sexes, particularly members of the Gardai and HSE, are going elsewhere for purposes of socializing, with some reported to be travelling as far as Galway in the hope of meeting partners of a more frivolous nature.

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