READ THIS: A Pint of Plain by Bill Barich
Oh how we love the pubs of Ireland! There is almost nothing Peachy Deegan likes more than a pint of Guinness- or perhaps a glass, as that is more ladylike. Guinness IS good for you. And we have lived in Ireland, where we notice in many town centers there is a pattern: church, pub, church, pub, etc.
We also embrace tradition at Whom You Know.
The combination of our love of Irish pubs and tradition drew us to this work which is so well-written but evokes the current truth that Ireland is indeed in flux. As the Celtic Tiger emerged, and has slowed down along with the rest of the world's economies, the traditional Irish pub has been left by the wayside in many cases, giving way to fabulous new venues like Cafe En Seine - (which Peachy Deegan has happily visited but wants the pub retained as well!) and trendiness from the mainland of Europe that is not the norm in our mother country of Ireland.
Author Bill Barich lives in Dublin so he is quite qualified to evaluate the current state of this matter.
The Deegan girls, shown above, fully support the tradition and history of the pub, although they are shown here in New York. The most authentic Irish pub we experienced in Manhattan over our years here is Thady Cons, which unfortunately has been torn down. It was located on second avenue near 48th. Many Champagne Wishes came true there (see Whom You Know column: "Champagne Wishes") and often it was in a glass of harp.
In the 236 page Pint of Plain, Barich describes with anecdotal detail the culture of Irish Pubs and does it in quite an Irish way, spinning tales in several directions that entertain the reader, who goes down a path that is more interesting the more the path winds. The evolution of the story in twelve chapters include what makes a good publican to certain pubs in particular. A bit of fairydust is sprinked on the pages for good measure as well. From Dublin to the small towns, the common problem of the closing of the pub has been increasing, while foreign countries keep adding Irish pubs...what a phenomenon we thought would never happen.
We particularly liked "The Ancient Birthplace of Good Times" and think the pub is an ageless institution that is appreciated by every generation. This chapter DOES give the pub the scholarly attention it deserves. The tale of Arthur Guinness is included here.
We at Whom You Know are going to hold onto the Traditional Irish Pub in Ireland for dear life (!) and are glad that Bill Barich has brought attention to this important subject.
