So, I was in the pub enjoying the pint o’ Guinness over lunch in respect of hizzoner, when I heard a trio of gentlemen hard by having a bit of a conversation.
“It’s all weel and gude,” said the first man in a broad Scottish burr, “these American pubs, but it’s nothing like back hame.”
“Quite true, my dear man,” responded his first companion in a refined English accent, “they hardly measure up to our British standards.”
“Nor even our pubs in Ireland,” replied the third in the lilting cadences of the Old Sod.
“At MacTavishes they ken hae to sarve a mon,” the Scot added, saying, “upon ardering yer fourth roond, the barkeep stands the fifth for you, frae of charge.”
“Things are bit more civilized in the south,” the Londoner rejoined, “on your third purchase of spirits, the barkeep provides the fourth. And there are snacks provided at the bar to keep the patrons well cared for.”
“Aye, that’s lovely, I’m sartain. But when it comes to yor true pub, the real measure of service is in Ireland,” replied the third man. “‘Tis!” he cried at the shaking heads of his companions. “There’s a lovely spot down Dublin way, so there is, where the barman buys yor forst round for yez. And all d’other patrons buy the next one, and the next after that, and on and on until you’ve had yor full. And then, when yez can scarcely stand on yor own, they take y’up to de bedrooms, so they do, and see to it that you get yer ashes hauled.”
“Rubbish,” replied the Englishman.
“Perposterous,” replied the Scot.
“No, it’s de truth!” the Irishman insisted.
“Has such a thing ever happened to you personally,” the Englishman inquired.
“Not yet,” the Irish lad had to ruefully admit, before brightening and concluding, “but it has happened to me sister!”
Update: Many thanks to occasional readers Kent and Wilko, who have each supported the blogger’s continued access to Guinness. For strength!
Of course, the first time I heard that one it concerned three Texans from UT, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech respectively. I’m certain we can all agree that the fellow from the Emerald Isle and the Techie both had lovely sisters
The way I heard it, was Auburn, Alabama, and Florida State…Chomp…Chomp…Another national championship…Chomp
For my dog and Guinness-loving friends…
http://www.jacquielawson.com/preview.asp?cont=1&hdn=0&mpv=3153666
That’s “regular reader” occasional poster.
I LOL’d
And FbL – that was priceless. Good on ya!
‘TINS’ – One of my ancestors, fresh off the boat from Ireland in the mid to late 1800s, married an Irish Pub owner in upstate New York.
He was famous (infamous?) for keeping his Irish pub open nearly 24/7. The only time he closed was on Sunday mornings and Holy days, when he kicked out his patrons, closed up shop and forced everyone to tread across the street to the Catholic Church for Mass. After Mass they all trekked back to the pub as he reopened it. I’m also told that he poured free beer for most of St. Patties day. Naturally he was remembered and celebrated long after his death.
The neat thing is that, in my mind, I can hear you telling the story….with that accent.
“…pardon me, little miss, but it does appear that ye have a wee bit of the Irish in ya… …and if, by chance, ye don’t, would ye care for some of it now?”
(you’ll get slapped 99% of the time, but that other 1% makes it worth it.)
I can report with some degree of certainty that the vast majority of non- besotted Christians out here thank the Almighty that this day comes but once a year…” Eirinn go Brach”…you all. Best
Snake/
How did that bit in the Sopranos go where Paulie keeps having this nightmare that he’s in hell, and hell is an Irish pub called “The Emerald Piper” where every day is St. Pat’s day for all eternity?
Looks like you and Paulie share the same nightmares. LOL
VX, Never caught the Paulie bit…wish I had… hell indeed and a hoot of a scenario besides … and by the way… is it fair to assume the your increased comment output of late is directly attributable to your generously endowed Trust Fund kicking in? Please advise…Best
SNAKE/
HOW did you find out about that? Shhhh! If my wife reads this she’ll want to quit working……
I’m the foreign national at USNA from Ireland. Barely had an ounce of home turf pride until I came here and saw how proud everyone was of their roots… I wanted to live in America and fly planes, then come over here and see how many people want to go to Ireland.. grass is always greeneer I suppose!
n11: what county you hail from?
Well, the grass is certainly greener in Ireland than it is in Southern California. They have Irish students now at the Severn River Trade School? Cool.
Welcome to the house. Or rather, cead mille failte!
There goes the neighborhood…Best
feh on Snakes, no wonder himself drove them out.
A Toast to the Old Sod!
According to Fox News:
hail from County Wexford, the sunny South East – coincidentally just down the road from John Barry, now tryin to follow in those footsteps
But yeah first one from Ireland at the Naval Academy (and most likely the last.. long story..) most mids who read this will know the deal – let’s just say I’m in America as the Representative for the Irish Department of Food and Agriculture!
welcome, and enjoy your stay.
Commodore Barry isn’t so bad as a role model, but perhaps the land forces would offer more choices (Beat Navy)..
i haven’t been to visit yet, but still have cousins in County Cavan. maybe someday..