The cream of Irish cocktails floats to top

SOMEBODY once described Irish coffee as being like a torchlight procession going down your throat.

But it is doubtful if a Tyrone-born chef had that portrayal in mind when he invented the famous cocktail on a damp and miserable night in Foynes, Co Limerick, 60 years ago.

Foynes was a major hub for air traffic between the US and Europe at the time. Travel was by flying boats. One flight that took off in 1943 encountered bad weather and turned back. Back in the terminal restaurant passengers were tired and needed something to lift their spirits.