Those who attended the April 2015 lectures by Professor Ruán O’Donnell of Limerick University (including lectures given at O’Lunney’s in New York City, and in the Hibernian Hall in Verplanck) should remember that Professor O’Donnell (author of Patrick Pearse in the 16 Lives series of biographies of those executed in the aftermath of the 1916 Easter Rising) mentioned Guinness as having funded the largest part of the UVF acquisition of arms from Germany (purchased from independent German capitalist arms dealers, NOT from the German government) in January 1913. The UVF (Ulster Volunteer Force) was arming, in opposition to an act of the Parliament of the government to which they professed “loyalty” (admittedly some “loyalists” still focus only on their loyalty to “King Billy”).
[In fairness to Guinness, their shipping of full kegs to, and empty kegs back from New York, during the Irish War for Independence (First Defence of the Republic) 1919 – 1921, unknowingly provided the transport for arms to Cathal Brugha (Minister of War for the Irish Republic) and clandestine passage for Liam Mellows, both ways — all thanks to Brugha’s chief gun-runner, Charlie Holt, father of Mary Holt Moore, of Conradh na Gaedhilge (the Gaelic League in New York).]
The Economist (arguably the finest news magazine in the world) explains Guinness’ role in Irish politics (March 16th 2014) in greater historical and economic depth (see link – forwarded by a good friend from Belfast – immediately below).
http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2014/03/economist-explains-13
[Driving westward along the south coast of Cork in June of 1967, I came upon three architecturally identical pubs, with no more than 100 yards separation from one to the next. The windowless east facing wall on the first pub displayed a mural, the message on which was, “Guinness is Good for You“; the message on the side of the second pub was, “Beamish is Better“; on the third pub was the image of a strong man carrying a heifer on his shoulders, proclaiming, “Murphy is Best.” Until two years ago, I had regarded it as merely an imaginative lesson in marketing and in grammar. We have since learned that there was more to the message than only the proper use of adjectives.]
Is Guinness really “Good for You“? Is there an answer? Ask any Corkman (over a pint of Murphy). Nor is there any record of Samuel Smith’s (Oatmeal Stout) Brewery in Yorkshire supporting the UVF. When it comes to “black” politics, Guinness seems to win the loyalty prize.
Sláinte!
This is like that bit from The Wire where McNulty won’t drink Bushmills because it’s “protestant whiskey”.
Seamus Heaney thought Guinness was loyalist approved too;
“The only Roman collar he tolerates
Smiles all round his sleek pint of porter.”
Go raibh maith agat go Sinn. I took the pledge near three decades past, good thing I pray daily for all ye sinners but, my favourite tipple, in usually large doses was a pint of plain, or black, or stout, usually Guinness.
Had I known this historicall point, I should have expressed my long held economic boycott of all things pro brit, I shall now attempt to dissuade my own Wee gaisun from drinking to fund those who shot his family members post rising, mind you, we got a fair share of them too.
I recall a conversation over someone from Guinness having met the Taoiseach and asked them to disown the north out of Ireland as it was painting a bad picture of Ireland and effecting sales growth internationally for the company.
I have detested the company ever since, considered them nothing more than a corporate entity that has Irish roots but there is nothing Irish about the company today other than within its marketing divisions.
I despise the company, I but they do produce a nicer drink than beamish or murphy’s.
Couldn’t open the link to the economist article but to answer the most important question in this article.
Guinness is definitely the best. Those who say Murphys or Beamish are better are simply lost souls in need of salvation….
I met Mary Holt Moore and her Dad many years ago in Lake Ronkonkama NY as a member of Clan Na Garl not too long before he died. He was in the GPO 1916, a true gentleman! He was involved in flying the flag over the GPO. Mary is a wonderful, charming and dedicated lady! Insure he was involved in many interesting activities back in the day.
Hello Long time reader first time commenter.
Interesting about the Guinness thing.
I dont like to do “advertising” but there are options instead of Guiness
And If you are in Dublin, Cork or Wicklow you have the Porterhouse.
Which was Irelands first Micro Brewery.
This was my favourite place when I was in Dublin. And i haven’t been in ages.
Since then these guys have took of like a rocket and now have bars in New York, Cork and 2 more in Dublin itself.
It’s great to see them doing well as they are the kinda business I would gladly support.
i.e whatever they do.. they do it well.
Guys like Bewleys.. or the Klyemore bakeries or O’Neills the clothing company Or the vendors on Moore street. Or Supermacs or Eddie Rockets. etc.
I like to see the Irish do well in business.
We need more of it.. and less Multi-Nationals IMHO
I like to get behind these folk.
Hence why I don’t feel too ashamed to “advertise ” for the PorterHouse.
I have no relation or shares in them..Wish I did :-)))
I used to visit their place in Parliament Street just on the edge of Temple Bar.
My choice was Oyster Stout.
They do 3 x Kinds of stout including one that was the choice of Michael Collins.
I believe it was called Wrasslers. IIRC.
I have never tried any of their beers or Whiskey’s So I cannot say.
And one thing for sure.
Don’t go in and ask for Guinness..
It won’t go down well and nothing to do with UVF… at all.
Just that they make their own.
Anyhow Happy Travels
And here are more details
http://www.theporterhouse.ie/beers-oyster.php
I actually like Murphy’s a bit moe