By Paddy McCarthy
I have just got back from Ireland and let me tell you that America should take a leaf out of their book. The country is buzzing and I tell yea this, there is no money shortage and everybody seems to be in a happy mood. The Government of Ireland just launched a budget that in my estimation is more than a good one as they took care of the people that really need it. Not here in America I am sad to say; with all the trillions of dollars they are supposed to have given out, where did it go?
Ireland is a new country since I emigrated in the early 80s. The pubs and restaurants are packed, maybe it’s because of the new budget and everybody was celebrating when I was home. From my perspective it looks like the country will be gangbusters in 2023 especially for tourism as the country will be booming with festivals and everything else to put a smile on your face.
Now after I’ve told you all of this in my Out&About, while I was in Ireland, here is the most famous Irishman in the whole world. Now Ireland has produced a lot of heroes who traveled all over, but the man who stayed with his roots at home and who would be now be celebrating his 297th birthday is Arthur Guinness, an Irish brewer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. The inventor of Guinness beer, he founded the Guinness Brewery at St. James’s Gate in 1759. Born in County Kildare around 1725, Guinness’s father was employed by Arthur Price, a vicar of the Church of Ireland. Guinness himself was later employed by Price, and upon his death in 1752, both he and his father were bequeathed funds from Price’s will.
Guinness then worked at his stepmother’s public house before founding a brewery in Leixlip. In 1759, during a financial crisis that created an abundance of affordable property, Guinness moved to Dublin and purchased an abandoned brewery from the Rainsford family. It was originally an ale brewery, but Guinness began producing porter in 1778, and by 1799, production of ale ceased with the popularity of his darker beer.
Outside of his brewery, Guinness was socially and politically active. A devout Protestant, he founded the first Sunday school in Dublin in 1786 and frequently argued for his fellow gentry to set a strong moral example. He was largely supportive of Catholic rights in Ireland but opposed the Irish Rebellion of 1798.
As a member of the Dublin Corporation of Brewers, Guinness was also instrumental in petitioning the Irish House of Commons to change the tax code surrounding importation of beer.
Guinness and his wife had 10 children together, and upon Guinness’s death in 1803, his son Arthur Guinness II inherited the brewery and all operations.
Did I have one or two Guinness when I was in Ireland? You bet I did and, boy, they were so nice too, well somebody has to do it, why not me?
I’m glad I gave you this little bit of history as a lot of people thought he was English and he was not, up yea boyo.
Talking about tourism the Guinness Stonehouse in Dublin is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the whole country, now where would yea get with a pint of the black stuff. The brewery tour is one of the most iconic attractions in Dublin. Whether you love the famous stout, or just want to experience a unique Irish landmark, then this tour is a must.
Okay moving on, I have to share this news as I was not here to attend: Dublin Society member Eddie Dowling was this year’s honoree at The Ireland Funds’ New Jersey Golf Classic, held on Monday at Bayonne Golf Club. This year marked the event’s 20th anniversary and I missed it. All I can say is good on yea Eddie, the honor was well deserved as you are the pride of the Dublin Society and also the rest of the Irish counties here in New York.
Here’s just another reminder that The Irish Repertory Theatre have another hit starting October 12 with the Chester Bailey show on the Francis J.Greenburger Mainstage. This Irish drama is by Joseph Dougherty and it’s directed by Ron Lagomarsino, get your tongue around that name, just kidding. The actors starring in the show are Reed Birney and Ephraim Birney. Go to www.irishrep.org/chesterbailey for more information.
Hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About again…