Author Archives: Aaron McAllorum

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“This is extremely disappointing news for RTÉ. We have a long and proud tradition of showcasing the 6 Nations and putting our heart and soul into our coverage.

We want to assure the Irish public that every possible effort was made by RTÉ to retain these rights. As a public service broadcaster, RTÉ’s ambition has always been, and continues to be, to deliver the best possible viewer experience and to share moments of major national importance.

We put forward the best possible bid within our means, while always mindful of the significant responsibilities attached to spending public funds.”

Ryle Nugent, Group Head of Sport, RTÉ

*kicks telly*

TV3 wins Six Nations Championship rights from 2018 (TV3)

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Joe Kearns, Master Brewer of The White Hag, Ballymote, Co Sligo,

Joe Kearns moved  from Ohio almost two years ago to take up the role as Master Brewer at The White Hag brewery in Sligo..

Yesterday, Joe hosted a group of visitors from the local Teagasc training centre.

As guests were leaving, they asked if they could buy some beers….

Joe writes:

Welcome to Ireland. We have one of the world’s fastest growing craft beer sectors in the world. We also have a massive tourist industry, and it just so happens that a lot of these tourists are coming from the States and they like local beer.

Beer tourism is on the rise. Unfortunately, after the brewers go thru an hour long dissertation on what makes their beer so significant, they have to then tell the party to go elsewhere to try their wares. Because, in Ireland it is illegal to serve, or sell, someone beer from the brewery.

And, if you want to, the license costs €70,000.

What about the local pubs? Wouldn’t they be affected? Not if the law was changed to reflect what they do in the States. Brewery tasting rooms typically close by 7pm. They also cannot sell wine and spirits. These aren’t pubs.

They are tasting rooms, and they’re overdue.

“During a conversation I was having with my long-time friend back in the States, I had came to an interesting conclusion: In Ireland, we’re fortunate enough to be able to still buy our bread at the local baker; buy our beef from the local butcher, yet we still can’t buy our beer from our local brewer.

In 2011, Ohio was one of the last states to implement the Brewery-on-premise-tasting-room laws. Up until that time, breweries were required to purchase an additional license to offer on-trade sales. The additional license cost $4,000. The motivating reason behind changing these laws was to promote tourism within the state; which it did.

White Hag Brewery

Pic via Belgian Smaak

Thanks Paul Mullin and Bob Coggins

 

At a drenched Lansdowne Road Nua this afternoon.

Wexford Youths have won the 2015 F.A.I. Women’s Cup Final 4-2 on penalties after a dramatic extra time period.

FAI Continental Tyres Senior Cup (Wmns)

fittestfamily

 

Ireland’s Fittest Family on RTÉ2 at 6.30pm.

Family-sized social engineering meets t’hunger games.

Fergus McCormack writes:

Ireland’s Fittest Family is back for a third series with new coaches, rougher courses and tougher competition than ever!
Series three will see 12 of the fittest, fastest and strongest families in the country put everything on the line to be the last family standing at the end of our gruelling competition. This year the courses are rougher, and the competition is tougher than ever before. We’ve got two new coaches to join our line-up of sporting heroes. Munster rugby legend Alan Quinlan and Cork Camogie champion Anna Geary join veteran coach Davy Fitz and last year’s newbie Jason Sherlock.

Fight!