Best Book Quotes/Recommendations?

[MoeFOH]

I always get a strong pining for Ireland, every now and then. Usually when I hear of someone else's travel tales or impending journey. But, of course, I can't always go back at the drop of a hat. What I can do, however, is pick up my copy of McCarthy's Bar - A journey of discovery in Ireland and reread it. It's the closest thing to going again. A truly fabulous book, and not just because it carries my namesake. It's the best travel book I've ever read, and easily the funniest. Author Pete McCarthy didn't live that much longer after writing this book, but he left us with a comedic masterpiece and a gem of an insight into life in Ireland. Seriously, if you've not read it, pick up a copy post haste. And even if you have read it, pick up a spare copy. Just in case. : )

Here's a little excerpt that doubles as a joke--my contribution to Friday Funnies. It's actually recounted from Pete overhearing some locals talk. (I'm sure most know, but in case you don't: Mastermind is a British quiz show, particular to this show is its serious and tense atmosphere.) 

 

‘Hey, did ya hear about the Corkman who went on Mastermind?’

 

His friend is shaking his head, and already laughing at the central conceit. Kerrymen like them have always made jokes about Corkmen, and vice-versa; the rest of Ireland makes jokes about Cork and Kerry; and the English make jokes about the whole of Ireland, in the belief that there’s nothing funny about Surrey.

 

‘So Pat goes on Mastermind. He goes and sits in the chair in the spotlight, like, and they announce his special subject: “Ireland, the Easter Rising and the War of Independence, 1916 to 1921.”

 

‘ “Start the clock,” says yer man. “First question, name one of the leaders of the Easter Rising of 1916.”

 

‘ “Pass,” says Pat.

 

‘ “Name the IRA leader who led the fight against the British before agreeing to partition.”

 

‘ “Pass.”

 

‘ “Name the first president of the Irish Free State.”

 

‘ “Pass.”

 

‘And a voice shouts out from the audience, “Good man, Pat. Tell the bastards f*ck all!” 

 

The book also spawns a number of Travel Rules. The eighth of which is this: Never Pass A Bar That Has Your Name On It. I can tell you from firsthand experience as a McCarthy in Ireland, you can do quite well to abide by this one. I'm sure it pans out the same way for other names across the globe... Perhaps? Anyhow, with that in mind, enjoy your weekend, folks! : )

Cheers,

Moe.