We’re buying into cheap marketing ploys

ONCE, at a football match in Thurles, I saw the future of rock ‘n’ roll, and it shook me to my core.

A lorry had been set up in Liberty Square. A young band was belting out tunes for the assembled Kerry and Dublin supporters. They looked and sounded like any young band, full of energy and attitude. The music wasn’t bad. But then I had a second take and I nearly choked on my sparkling water.

Emblazoned across the chest of each of these purveyors of rock ‘n’ roll was the type of rebellious slogan that echoes down generations of disaffected youth. It read: “Bank of Ireland”.