By now, you’ve probably come to understand that this is, without question, an Irish pub, but that places no restrictions upon you. The only import to bear in mind is that this is probably not the best place to sing, “Rule Britannia.” Truth be known, it wouldn’t even be right to try to hum a single bar. As the proprietor, it’s only fair for me to share with you that this is an Irish Republican pub. Now, before you swallow your pint down the wrong hole, understand that that bit of news has nothing to do with a republican in the U.S.
You see, there’s still a slight blight upon the Emerald Isle. There are thirty-two counties in Ireland. Twenty-six of those make up the Republic Of Ireland. But there are six counties in n. Ireland that are still being held hostage by England. Every American who knows their history remembers the wrong of that condition. Colonial minutemen shed their blood to claim their right of freedom. During the American Revolution, the Crown and its minions called all of them rebels and terrorists. But we know them as patriots and their actions heroic. Well, an Irish Republican seeks the same creed and remains dedicated to a united Ireland whose only fealty is to each other and goodness to the world over.
Irish folk serve their God in different denominations and in as many different ways as freedom loving people everywhere. It isn’t the religion, whiskey, or color that you wear that makes you Irish, it’s the state of your heart and the pride that you feel in the heritage of our Island. The Celts that came to stay early on are Irish. The Vikings who came later and stayed and built the city of canals known as Dublin are Irish. The Normans who came to live on the island are Irish. The Spaniards from the Armada who swam ashore and stayed to raise families are Irish. The Saxons who came and stayed are Irish. Africans who came seeking education and safety are Irish. If you come to the Island and make an investment in her future, you are Irish. But in this pub, never forget that Irish is not English.
Every time you visit, we’ll always have a little history or story to share and even teach a bit of our Irish language to brighten up your St. Patrick Day celebrations. But know that in this house, we proudly stand in total support of Sinn Fein, Ireland’s oldest political party, and pray daily in appreciation of the men and women who gave their lives and continue to give their all to the cause.