Live Guinness ad to mark end of anniversary celebrations

Guinness is producing a live television ad on New Year’s Eve to mark the end of its 250th anniversary celebrations, it was revealed today.

The 60-second film will be aired on RTE One at 17.59 featuring a recreation of Arthur Guinness’s signature, but secrecy surrounds the exact content.

The famous brewery founder signed the 9,000 year lease on the St James’ Gate site in Dublin on New Year’s Eve 1759 for an annual rent of €50.

Year-long celebrations took place across the world to mark the momentous anniversary, including a star-studded night on Arthur’s Day, September 24.

The company also set up the €2.5m Arthur Guinness Fund to support innovative new projects in communities across the country.

It pledged €2.50 for every signature received in pubs and bars around the country.

John Kennedy, Diageo Ireland’s managing director, paid tribute to all those who lent their support.

“As we reach the end of a remarkable year, the Arthur Guinness Fund is a fitting tribute to the legacy of Arthur Guinness and the Irish people who have helped to make it a reality,” he said.

“The Arthur Guinness Fund was set up with the aim of supporting projects and initiatives that are innovative, impactful and sustainable, for the benefit of communities across Ireland.”