Dublin, the city of drunken Stag and Hen parties had another 8 blokes to deal with as the Llandudno Jet Set arrived on Saturday morning. We were there to celebrate Dan's upcoming wedding. To acheive this end we were going to act as ambassadors for Wales and show the Dubliners the face of a new generation. In other words, this group of adventurous handsome heroes wanted to have a jolly good time.
My lift arrived at 7:00 and Gaz scoffed at the size of my bag, apparently it was too big as we were only going for two days. What may have been good natured joshing turned out to be very ironic indeed the day after, how I laughed as another prediction failed to come true, but more about that later.
After we picked up Dan the drinking started about 20 minutes later as Sion produced cold beers out of his bag. This is usually an unpleasant concept for most people, there goes my diet, but it did start this day with a sparkle. The refreshments continued to flow on the ferry as the time passed by rather quickly.
After we got to the centre of Dublin a tram was needed to get to our temporary residence, a very nice hostel by the Liffey. The hostel had the added attraction of containing very few loud Americans. Sion had produced well-designed T-shirts for the occasion. They were fitted with our names on the back to identify ourselves to any curious Dubliners. After changing into the said garments we stowed our bags and were off to the nearest hostelries
We stopped in the first pub and made our first cultural discovery, in Ireland Cheese and Onion crisps are found in RED packets!!!! I feel like Magellen. We also came across our first loud American unfortunately. After a few more refreshments it was back to the hostel.
After a short rest period and showers all around we were off again. This time we started in Ireland's oldest pub. There was a Gaelic Football match on TV and it didn't look too complicated, if only there was a way to sample this most Irish of culture. Subsequently we moved through the Temple Bar area like a pack of well-behaved culture-vultures.
We found a lot of fun in one bar where a guy was performing cover versions. This rocked our world for an hour or two and we were christened the Rhythym Section by the artiste in question. Our enthusiasm even led to certain songs being played, hence the reference to Johnny Cash in the title. We had a whale of a time until one of the staff politely told us to stop enjoying ourselves.
Our quest continued on both sides of the river and a good time was had by all, apart from inside the really hot pubs. On the way home I was married by Sion to someone from near Cork. I don't think the marriage will work out somehow as we have failed to stay in touch after a trail separation. The end of the night was crowned by Chinese food in Dan's room.
Sunday was announced by the street cleaners outside our window. We arose to clouds. Someone floated the idea of going to Croke Park to watch the Hurling and it seemed quite popular. Then it was off for breakfast and the walk to town, not as easy when the pavements are coated with last night's grease. The recently commenced rain didn't help spirits either.
After sampling breakfast some enquiries were made and we were off to find tickets. The tickets were found and at 40 Euros they were very reasonable. Our next need was cash and a hat, a piece of clothing now essential due to the rain. Everyone went for Cork's colours of Red and White apart from me, who went for Blue and White of Waterford and Bangor City of course.
By the time we reached the ground an hour and a half later we were all soaked. Due to the fact that Gaz had only brought a small bag with two shirts he was particularly wet. As I am a gentleman I didn't add to his misery by reminding him of the fact that I didn't really need to bring as much stuff as I had.
The Hurling action was immense, I don't thnk that there are many times that I've enjoyed a sporting event that much. The fact that opposition fans could mingle and the players could take a knock and get back up, even during the girls' match at half time, is an extremely refreshing antidote to the overblown and over-hyped Premiership.
After some explanation from local fans you can follow it quite easily. The finish to the main match will live with me forever. Cork scored the winning points about five minutes before the end and for some reason I happened to be sitting down. From this vantage point I could really sense the feelings of the Cork fans and got the full effect of their celebrations, it was electric.
After the game a damp homeward trudge ensued, via the over priced Hard Rock Cafe for food. We saw our 6th Stag or Hen Party here, who do these people think they are, eh? A quick freshen up at the hostel and it was back out on the town. Gaz departed after a few beers complaining of sore feet, being a gentleman I still didn't remind him that he had only brought a small bag containing just two shirts. The night progressed with more alcohol, singing and blisteringly hot pubs. We tried to find a Kareoke Bar but our quest was fruitless. Again we rounded off the night with Chinese Food.
We arose early on Monday to get the ferry and the journey back to normalty after what everyone agreed was a first-rate way to spend a weekend.
Drrrr Dr Dr Dr Dr Drrrrrrrrrrr
