Jennifer Horgan: Being called stingy is the worst possible insult for an Irish person

It’s communion season — a perfect time to discuss our national giving trend

Mrs Doyle and Mrs Dineen in 'Father Ted' fighting over who is paying for tea. 'I’ve been home for eight years. Back to fighting at the till to pay for your tea with friends.' Photo: Channel 4

I could tolerate most things being said about me. Ignorant. Dull. Unattractive. I’d take it. Not happily of course, but I’d take it. There’s only one slight I know I couldn’t take, and that’s being called tight.

This is an Irish thing, not a me thing. "She wouldn’t be the best for getting a round in," is one of the highest insults in the land. Overhearing that, plenty of us would struggle to leave the house. At least that’s my impression.