A coroner issued a stark warning as he opened inquests into the two men who died after drinking what is believed to be either poitin or "fake" contraband drinks.

Drinks claiming to be Irish whiskey or poitin must be the real deal under new regulations that has been put in place to protect the "integrity" of Irish spirits.

Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said Irish whiskey, Irish poitin and Irish cream are now designated as protected 'Geographical Indications' under European law.

The means that any product claiming to be Irish spirits must be made in the Republic or in Northern Ireland under strict specifications.

The new rules mean that products labelled as Irish whiskey, Irish poitin and Irish cream must be exactly what it says on the label.

Sunday Independent