In recent decades, no sooner have the bells of Christmas tolled than the ringing of the cash registers in “the sales” began. Today was often the day the hordes hit the city for bargains. The chase down the aisles was as competitive and swift as the galloping horses south of the capital, at Leopardstown. This year, there’ll be no crowds. Saint Stephen, the man who gave the day its name, might need to be reintroduced, so far has the drift been from tradition. He was the first Christian martyr after Jesus. Religious scholars say his “crime” was to have spoken hard truths that his audience definitely did not wish to hear. A frenzied mob put him to death by stoning. The Bible says he used his final words praying to God to forgive those responsible. He is still, of course, revered and recognised.