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| BARNAGH STATION THEN AND NOW |
I was coming
out of the church on Friday evening having performed my Easter
duties, when I was approached by an individual from across the
river, whom I knew slightly.
“Is there
any place open?” he whispered, looking furtively around for fear
someone might be listening.
It was
obvious he was referring to the effects of our licensing laws that bars must remain closed on Good Friday. I immediately
informed him that the publicans of Abbeyfeale were a bunch of
law-abiding citizens who would never serve drink out of hours.
“Well,
blasht it!” he said. “I do normally go to Mass in Duagh, but I
was told that there was always plenty porter to be got in
Abbeyfeale.”
“You were
told wrong.” I replied. “This place is as dry as the Sahara
Desert today.”
“Ah, for
feic's sake! There must be some place open.”
“Not a
one.” I assured him. “All the landlords have gone golfing.”
“'Tis far
away from the golf they were reared.” he sniffed.
“You could
try one of the hotels,” I continued “but you would probably have
to order a meal as well.”
“Yerra,
'tis dry I am, not hungry!” he was getting desperate now.
“You
should have bought a few cans yesterday and drank them at home.” I
tried to be helpful.
“It isn't
so much the drink as the company.” he answered. “I have no
company at home, only the wife, and sure she's no company at all.”
He thought
for a moment. “Do you know,” he said “I think I''ll hit for
Mountcollins. I'll surely get drink there. They are a daycent crowd.
They won't let a lad die with the drought.”
“Good luck
with that.” I said as he disappeared out the church gate.
A minute
later he was back. “I have no car,” he said. “Any chance you
might give me a lift?”
“About as
much chance as you getting a drink in Mountcollins!” I left
him standing and headed off down the street thinking it could only
ever happen in Abbeyfeale.
However, if
he reads this, I have good news for him. There should be plenty of
porter to be got in Abbeyfeale and every other town in Ireland from
next Good Friday on – a parting gift from Enda Kenny?
