A toast to Arthur and to sobriety
“What’s going on, like?” asked one regular in the Bróg pub on Cork’s Oliver Plunkett Street. “I only came in for a quick one and now I have to move. It’s like closing time.”
He was not alone. From 4pm, doors in Guinness-only pubs were shut as bunting was raised to celebrate the life and legacy of Arthur Guinness, the man who bequeathed the famous drink to world.
Patient drinkers were well rewarded, though, as a host of international acts including Stereophonics, Scissors Sisters, Calvin Harris, The Saturdays, Paolo Nutini and Kelis took to the stage in music hubs in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Belfast.
Other headliners included Royseven, Bell X1, The Divine Comedy, Bressie and Ryan Sheridan.
Now in its third year, the day was marked by a series of high-profile events and celebrations in over 2,000 pubs across Ireland and in 40 countries around the world.
The Guinness Storehouse celebrated the day by offering complimentary drinks and a special experience, which included a pint pouring masterclass with Guinness master brewer Fergal Murray and sipping the black stuff with a member of the Guinness family.
Orla Flanagan, the company’s senior brand manager, said: “The excitement around the country today was palpable. Guinness fans were being treated to some of their favourite bands in the surrounds of their local, which really is something special.”
In a new development, smartphone users were invited to ‘check-in’ via Facebook while in the pub.
For every person that did, €5 was donated to the Arthur Guinness Fund, up to a maximum of €500,000.
Ms Flanagan also added that “all ticket proceeds from Arthur’s Day directly benefits the Arthur Guinness Fund, which supports social entrepreneurs aiming to make positive changes in their communities”.
To date, 20 Irish social entrepreneurs have received funding from the Arthur Guinness Fund — with a total of €1.65 million distributed since 2010.
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