Imposing a price increase on pints of Guinness during the busy summer tourist season is leaving a negative impression. Due to their slim profit margins, pub owners will likely pass this increase onto customers. With the average pint of Guinness costing nearly €7, €20 will hardly cover a round of drinks for three people. Will regular pub-goers accept the price increase or reduce their consumption of our beloved national beverage? This price increase reminds me of a story my late father used to tell about customers at our family pub. There was a regular named Danny who would come to the pub every evening and enjoy three pints of Guinness. He cherished the company of his fellow drinkers and the engaging conversations they had about football, greyhounds, horse racing, and current events. After spending time at the pub, he would return to his home where he lived alone. One day, it was announced that the price of a pint would be increased. Reluctantly, my dad shared this news with the patrons, putting the blame on the Guinness brewery in Dublin. It was important to shift the blame to limit the damage. Despite the bad news, the Guinness continued to flow. One evening, my dad approached Danny, who was happily playing cards by the warm fire, and asked, “Will you still order pints at the new price, Danny?” To which Danny replied, “My dear man, I’ll follow it anywhere. Drinking the juice of the barley in such pleasant company is truly priceless.” This story highlights the loyalty and enjoyment that customers find in their local pubs, even in the face of price increases. It is important for organizations such as the Licensed Vintners Association and the Vintners’ Association of Ireland to stand up to corporations like Diageo, who continue to raise prices. Pub chains like JD Wetherspoon have found success by offering alternative drink options that are more affordable. It is crucial to take action before Irish pub culture, a vital social outlet for many and a major contributor to the tourism industry, becomes a thing of the past. Moving on to a different topic, David Quinn’s recent article about the radicalization of children in schools raises thought-provoking questions about the purpose of education. Quinn argues that education should focus on fundamental concepts such as hate, love, respect, and diversity, rather than promoting social activism. While it is important to discuss allyship skills and gender-related issues, we must not neglect other marginalized groups in our curriculum. Why are certain disadvantaged groups excluded from our learning outcomes? These are important questions that need to be addressed. In response to Quinn’s article, some readers agree with his concerns, while others feel that teaching children about justice and equity is a valid and necessary part of their education. It is important to have open discussions and consider all perspectives on these topics. Shifting our focus to another subject, the mistreatment of animals in industries such as dairy farming and greyhound racing is deeply concerning. The recent scandal involving the live export of dairy calves highlights the need for change in these sectors. It is disheartening to see that those responsible for the mistreatment of animals often face little to no consequences. We must continue to put pressure on these industries, not only for the well-being of the animals but also for the sake of our environment and future generations. Finally, we would like to extend our warmest wishes to Kathleen Corrigan, a dedicated letter writer who recently celebrated her 99th birthday. We appreciate her contributions to our publication and hope she continues to enjoy reading the letters we print each week.
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