Fair Play Supporters
Don't forget the Irish who live elsewhere. It's so true that the old custom of putting a lighted candle in the window at Christmas is still very much alive. It's a reminder of the days when people walked back to their villages and candlelight guided them through the night. Yes, the Irish are very supportive and social. Whenever possible, we form a group and mingle. We tell each other. The Irish are curious and concerned: where are you from? What have you been up to lately? How can I help? I know a lot...
Paradoxically, the youngest are encouraged to become independent; Irish children are brought up to be self-reliant. You have to have the strength to take risks when you grow up. Irish children are mature and self-confident. Parents encourage boldness and entrepreneurial spirit. The worst thing is not to fail, but not to try. Parents are always there, guardians of the safe haven. Independent, but not individualistic. As youngsters, the Irish quickly learn to work as part of a group. They participate in sports teams, they wear school colors. School uniforms differ, so that each school has its own sign of recognition. This is even truer at college and university. The concept of the famous club tie is a distinctive sign. It will be worn proudly long after leaving school. So it's hardly surprising that, whatever the cause or discipline, the Irish are active members of charitable associations and fair-play sports supporters. The Irish are sporty for fun, for the group, for the challenge. Being one, being a group, supporting, encouraging, energizing. It's in their DNA.
Together, equal and long live the difference!
Various invasions, successive conversions and the diaspora have sculpted the Irish character. This particular character can be observed on a daily basis at various levels, inducing particular sociological and political reactions. They have a rare adaptability. They set goals and achieve them. Pragmatic, they know how to make concessions to succeed. They know how to take small steps in long negotiations. They are studious, cheerful and unfailingly optimistic, even if nostalgia sometimes lulls them. They play an active and cheerful part in the growth of the legendary Luckof the Irish. A group yes, united yes, respecting differences, encouraging particularities. There's exceptional talent in this country, an ability to preserve tradition while being totally passionate about innovation. You have to want it and take the time to do it, as Irish society has proved on several occasions.
Spectacular advances were made between 1999 and 2019, including abortion rights and new laws ensuring equal treatment for LGBTI people. After being one of the last European countries to obtain the right to abortion, Ireland is now one of the 17 OECD countries with the most legal protections for sexual and gender minorities. An example of participatory democracy, in 2015 Ireland became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage following a popular vote. There is no shortage of examples of Ireland's progress in the field of human rights: two women Presidents of the Republic, and not the least, Mary Robinson and Mary McAleese. Ireland has officially recognized the Traveller community (0.6% of Ireland's population) as one of the country's indigenous ethnic minorities. Last but not least, the government recognized the need to make rapid progress towards the inclusion of minorities in employment. So it's with and for people with disabilities, minority populations, that needs are identified and solutions clarified. In Ireland, it's together, equal and long live differences!
Everyone to the pub, Slainte!
As you'd expect, it's bound to end in the warm, musical and sometimes joyfully noisy atmosphere of a pub. The choice is yours, from the most traditional to the most contemporary. Depending on the day and the time of day, you'll opt for the traditional Irish pub with its evenings of traditional or less traditional music, warm, often quiet, with no television during the day on weekdays, or the very large modern pubs, as much sports bars with big screens as cocktail bars with dance floors and modern music. It's easy to party the night away with the legendary Guinness. Party without losing your head, since the beautiful ruby is now available without alcohol.
Today, there are no women-only bars or lounges. Irish women are no longer confined to the home. Remember what Mary Robinson said with a smile when she was elected: "I was elected by the women of Ireland, who instead of rocking the cradle, rocked the system ". (I was elected by the women of Ireland, who instead of rocking the cradle, rocked the system".)
City dwellers or more rural, wealthy or not, young or not so young, all Irish meet at the pub. Here, you enter the heart of Irish social life. Never hesitate to venture in, you'll be greeted with the same friendly welcome you've always enjoyed. Ireland has a very special sense of welcome. That little je-ne-sais-quoi that quickly makes you feel at home. Don't be afraid to walk into a pub packed with strangers. Popular vindictiveness says they're just friends you haven't met yet. You have a designated accomplice: the barman. He's the treasure of Irish society. He's your waiter, your friend, your guide... As you become a pub regular, you'll discover that he can also be your doctor, your psychologist... No, no, we're not exaggerating: it's the guardian angel of the most comfortable place to write a book, read poetry, do nothing or listen to the Gaelic language in the Gaeltacht. Yes, an Irish pub is like that, and even better. If appearances make you think the pub is just a drinking establishment, take a closer look. It's a place for all ages, it's a grocery store in the depths of Connemara, it's a place where young musicians emerge to become world-famous, it's a place where a creamy chowder (fish soup) warms up a tourist on a bike lost in the rain, and it's a place where you can get your fill of vegetarian sandwiches at any hour. You can stay all day without being forced to eat... In the pub, you decide whether you want to be alone or not... Shall we meet you there? Sláinte!
