Damning Indictment of Ireland's Attitude Towards Alcohol

irishconvert · 29-07-2012 03:22AM

helimachoptor wrote: »

Something is wrong with your mate, alcohol free erdinger is minging

Maybe it was becks!

IrishAm · 29-07-2012 03:25AM

irishconvert wrote: »

Not a sup has passed my lips for 5 years! I do drink non-alcoholic lager though, still like the taste.

That's cool. Do strict muslims venture into Irish pubs? It it the main hub of social interaction at weekends, after all.

Completely off topic here, but I pass by the Mosque on the SCR at least twice a week. Some of my buddy's have played five aside against lads who congregate there.

Would an average Dub be welcome inside, purely as a curious outsider?

I would like to. As I know the square root of fuck all about Islam. Or would it be dodgy?

irishconvert · 29-07-2012 03:31AM

IrishAm wrote: »

That's cool. Do strict muslims venture into Irish pubs? It it the main hub of social interaction at weekends, after all.

Completely off topic here, but I pass by the Mosque on the SCR at least twice a week. Some of my buddy's have played five aside against lads who congregate there.

Would an average Dub be welcome inside, purely as a curious outsider?

I would like to. As I know the square root of fuck all about Islam. Or would it be dodgy?

Strict Muslims wouldn't go near a pub. Some won't eat in a restaurant that servers alcohol. It's not just the alcohol which is a problem for them, but the behaviour of people when they are drunk. I am used to it so it doesn't bother me, I meet my friends in the pub when I am home (don't live in Ireland anymore).

As for going into the mosque, I'd highly recommend it, you will be very welcome. The lads love seeing non-Muslims come in and should make you feel very welcome. If you have any questions just ask and they will be happy to explain to you, they will even be happy to answer any tough questions you may have and hopefully clarify any misconceptions about Islam you might have. Don't forget to take off your shoes before you go into the prayer hall!

mariano rivera · 29-07-2012 03:39AM

A_Sober_Paddy wrote: »

I liked how it tasted and that was the most important thing to me. He rolled his eyes and said I was wasting my money on it.

No wonder he was rolling his eyes

Beer dosnt taste nice

Fanta Tastes nice

Tea taste nice

Water tastes nice

etc.

Beer is there to get drunk. Your not meant to taste it

Non-alcoholic beers is for alcoholics

The hint is in the name!!!

IrishAm · 29-07-2012 03:44AM

irishconvert wrote: »

Strict Muslims wouldn't go near a pub. Some won't eat in a restaurant that servers alcohol. It's not just the alcohol which is a problem for them, but the behaviour of people when they are drunk.

Gotcha. In fairness though, the Irish rarely get drunk and act obnoxious in restaurants. We happily pay five euro for a bit of a sliced bread roll covered in garlic and then toasted.;)

We act the bollix in bars/clubs. We accept poor standards in restaurants.

irishconvert wrote: »

I am used to it so it doesn't bother me, I meet my friends in the pub when I am home (don't live in Ireland anymore).

That's sweet as. The pub is a social hub, so everyone should welcome. Even non drinkers.

irishconvert wrote: »

As for going into the mosque, I'd highly recommend it, you will be very welcome. The lads love seeing non-Muslims come in and should make you feel very welcome.

Its purely as an inquisitive local. Growing up, I rarely if ever heard of Islam. I now hear of it through the media. But I would much prefer to meet the people, instead of using the media for my interpretation of the people. If that makes sense? For what its worth, me mates had a great time with the muslims(Turks) whom they played against. They were invited back to the SCR for a bite to eat.

Is that true? The mosque supplies food for all?

irishconvert wrote: »

If you have any questions just ask and they will be happy to explain to you, they will even be happy to answer any tough questions you may have and hopefully clarify any misconceptions about Islam you might have. Don't forget to take off your shoes before you go into the prayer hall!

Yeah, I watched Ian O'D's show on RTE when he engaged with muslims and lived amongst them when I returned back home to Dublin. In fairness though, he was squaring for an argument. Both sides didn't come off too well.

I would like to experience and engage with every day muslims for myself.

suicide_circus · 29-07-2012 03:57AM

OP with a name like 'a sober paddy' i'm guessing you're a militant tea-totaler and possible ex alcoholic who likes going round pontificating to people about their drinking habits. In short, the worst person to go to the pub with.

irishconvert · 29-07-2012 03:57AM

IrishAm wrote: »

Its purely as an inquisitive local. Growing up, I rarely if ever heard of Islam. I now hear of it through the media. But I would much prefer to meet the people, instead of using the media for my interpretation of the people. If that makes sense? For what its worth, me mates had a great time with the muslims(Turks) whom they played against. They were invited back to the SCR for a bite to eat.

Muslims are just like anyone else, there is no mystery. We go to work, watch football, worry about our kids, try to do the best for our families, enjoy the weekends, etc etc. There are good and bad Musims, the same as there are good and bad non-Muslims.

IrishAm wrote: »

Is that true? The mosque supplies food for all?

The food is not usually free, except during Ramadan (which it is now) many mosques will provide a free meal to people breaking their fast.

There is a small restaurant in SCR Mosque, you have to pay for the food but as they invited you, and in line with Turkish culture I expect they would have paid for the food.

IrishAm wrote: »

Yeah, I watched Ian O'D's show on RTE when he engaged with muslims and lived amongst them when I returned back home to Dublin. In fairness though, he was squaring for an argument. Both sides didn't come off too well.

I would like to experience and engage with every day muslims for myself.

I was not too impressed by that programme. And if i remember correctly, didn't they drag out that guy again who is the most extreme version of an Irish convert to Islam? He actually does so much damage to the image of Muslims and I would say turns so many people off the religion.

Anyway, I've just started my fast and am off to bed now. If you have any other questions feel free to PM me.

irishconvert · 29-07-2012 03:58AM

mariano rivera wrote: »

No wonder he was rolling his eyes

Beer dosnt taste nice

Fanta Tastes nice

Tea taste nice

Water tastes nice

etc.

Beer is there to get drunk. Your not meant to taste it

Non-alcoholic beers is for alcoholics

The hint is in the name!!!

You must be a new drinker! After years of drinking beer it is nice to taste!

Festy · 29-07-2012 04:08AM

There is alot off alcoholics on boards tonight.

charlemont · 29-07-2012 04:11AM

IrishAm wrote: »

I would like to experience and engage with every day muslims for myself.

I live amongst a lot of them on the terrace and have no problem with them, Most of them are decent good people, A lot more interested in their religion than us but lots of them drink too or smoke Weed, No different to anyone else really, Very diverse group of Muslim's here from all parts of the world so they have varying attitudes to their faith.

Its a dangerous enough area here but the vast majority of trouble is from our own, Surprise surprise.. Any of the very religious Muslims don't put in or out with anyone and as far as I know the more religious ones never drink or do drugs.

Good neighbours in all.

DEFTLEFTHAND · 29-07-2012 04:18AM

Festy wrote: »

There is alot off alcoholics on boards tonight.

I'm feeling Supersonic give me Gin & Tonic.

suicide_circus · 29-07-2012 04:25AM

irishconvert wrote: »

Not a sup has passed my lips for 5 years! I do drink non-alcoholic lager though, still like the taste.

non alcoholic beers still contain like 0.5% alcohol

embee · 29-07-2012 04:30AM

I've found Irish people can be highly suspicious of a non-drinker. I haven't really drunk alcohol regularly since before I was pregnant in 2005. Mostly through choice, but I just don't have the cash to be honest. I often go out with friends, and I'll drive to and from the pub (another reason to not drink - I live in the middle of nowhere and taxis cost an absolute fortune!) and more often than not, I'll be interviewed at length as to why I'm not drinking.

"Have you college/placement in the morning?" ... no, I just don't want to drink.
"Oh, are you sick?" .... no, I just don't want to drink.
"You must be pregnant then!" ... no, not pregnant, I just don't want to drink.
"Ah, what's the matter that you aren't drinking?" .... back to square one, repeat to each person ad nauseum. I invariably become the designated driver, but I don't mind that.

I think, when I was in my 20's, I probably thought that there was something strange about my peers not drinking. I drank plenty whenever I did go out but that I suppose is the joy of being in your early 20's and well able to deal with hangovers. At the lofty age of 31, I drink probably 3-4 times a year if that. I don't miss it at all... I do find it curious that Irish people still, in this enlightened age, cannot understand the logic and/or motives of the non-drinker.

mackg · 29-07-2012 04:37AM

My only problem with drinking with a non drinker is if they are the camera carrying variety.

grenache · 29-07-2012 05:25AM

mariano rivera wrote: »

No wonder he was rolling his eyes

Beer dosnt taste nice

Fanta Tastes nice

Tea taste nice

Water tastes nice

etc.

Beer is there to get drunk. Your not meant too taste it!!!

such a load of bull$hit I've never read before. How old are you, 10?!!

Of course you're supposed to taste it!!! You clearly know little about beer.

Is it any wonder we have such a problem with alcohol in Ireland when immature clowns like you are in the majority.

Tombi! · 29-07-2012 05:27AM

embee wrote: »

I've found Irish people can be highly suspicious of a non-drinker. I haven't really drunk alcohol regularly since before I was pregnant in 2005. Mostly through choice, but I just don't have the cash to be honest. I often go out with friends, and I'll drive to and from the pub (another reason to not drink - I live in the middle of nowhere and taxis cost an absolute fortune!) and more often than not, I'll be interviewed at length as to why I'm not drinking.

"Have you college/placement in the morning?" ... no, I just don't want to drink.
"Oh, are you sick?" .... no, I just don't want to drink.
"You must be pregnant then!" ... no, not pregnant, I just don't want to drink.
"Ah, what's the matter that you aren't drinking?" .... back to square one, repeat to each person ad nauseum. I invariably become the designated driver, but I don't mind that.

I think, when I was in my 20's, I probably thought that there was something strange about my peers not drinking. I drank plenty whenever I did go out but that I suppose is the joy of being in your early 20's and well able to deal with hangovers. At the lofty age of 31, I drink probably 3-4 times a year if that. I don't miss it at all... I do find it curious that Irish people still, in this enlightened age, cannot understand the logic and/or motives of the non-drinker.

I met one person who didn't drink. Well two, actually. One just didn't want to drink and the other didn't like the taste of the drinks he had.

I find their choices to be perfectly logical.
On the other hand, they're constantly bombarded with puzzled looks and questions of "why don't you drink? What's wrong with you".
It is really the attitude of "you have to drink" on a night out that's baffling.

grenache · 29-07-2012 05:34AM

LaVail wrote: »

I think you're blowing this out of proportion op.

The Guards, paramedics and nurses in A&E staff on a Saturday night would disagree with you.

Mr Benevolent · 29-07-2012 10:43AM

Pottler wrote: »

Alcohol-free beer is like going down on your sister. It tastes the same, but deep down, you know it's wrong.

Not even close. It's like going down on the inflatable doll version of your sister.

Jimminy Mc Fukhead · 29-07-2012 11:08AM

A_Sober_Paddy wrote: »

No it was alcohol free of that I'm certain...

Non-alcoholic beer contains alcohol

eth0 · 29-07-2012 11:53AM

Nothing like doing 150 on the motorway and taking a swig of alcohol free beer each time you pass out a car.

Or even stopped in traffic on a sunny day with the window half down take a swig. Mighty stuff. Shiny '12-D people carrier coming towards you with a yummy mummy, dad and 3 children in the car, take two swigs, make sure they can see you.

A_Sober_Paddy · 29-07-2012 01:20PM

suicide_circus wrote: »

OP with a name like 'a sober paddy' i'm guessing you're a militant tea-totaler and possible ex alcoholic who likes going round pontificating to people about their drinking habits. In short, the worst person to go to the pub with.

You should read the thread, I'm not an ex alcoholic nor a tea-totaler.

I've cut back on drinking since the turn of the year, I've drank alcohol on 5 occasions this year, and to be honest only 2 times was by my choice the other 3 three were pretty much me just giving in so I'd not have to listen to some of my mates(these are mates I'm currently phasing out)

@Jimminy Mc Fukhead
I'm also aware that alcohol-free beer still has a small amount of alcohol, lower levels than that found in root-beer which is sold has a soda in Oz, the States & Here in Ireland

hatrickpatrick · 29-07-2012 02:05PM

*sigh*
I don't drink a lot when I go out, many nights I never drink anything at all (Friday in Krystle for instance, didn't have one beer). It's because it brings out a depressed and angry w@nker in me, unfortunately, not a fun lad.
I don't, however, roll my eyes at other people who DO choose to get drunk.

Nothing wrong with deciding not to drink, just for the love of God don't develop a "superior" attitude about it.

29-07-2012 04:45PM

why is everything a "damning indictment" lately

how about a damning indictment of our vocab

Pantsface · 29-07-2012 04:47PM

A_Sober_Paddy wrote: »

You should read the thread, I'm not an ex alcoholic nor a tea-totaler.

I've cut back on drinking since the turn of the year, I've drank alcohol on 5 occasions this year, and to be honest only 2 times was by my choice the other 3 three were pretty much me just giving in so I'd not have to listen to some of my mates(these are mates I'm currently phasing out)

@Jimminy Mc Fukhead
I'm also aware that alcohol-free beer still has a small amount of alcohol, lower levels than that found in root-beer which is sold has a soda in Oz, the States & Here in Ireland

you sound like too much fun

Enkidu · 29-07-2012 04:48PM

bluewolf wrote: »

why is everything a "damning indictment" lately

how about a damning indictment of our vocab

That response is a damning indictment of your attitude to After Hours.

ScumLord · 29-07-2012 05:42PM

irishconvert wrote: »

You must be a new drinker! After years of drinking beer it is nice to taste!

You have to become accustomed to the taste and most people probably wouldn't put the time into becoming accustomed if they weren't going to end up drunk at the end of it. It's also likely we come to like the taste because we associate it with becoming drunk.

If beer,wine or spirits didn't get us drunk we more than likely would never drink them because they don't really taste that nice to an untrained tongue. At best we look for the most palatable out of an unpalatable bunch.

29-07-2012 05:43PM

cocktails, they're the business

BunShopVoyeur · 29-07-2012 05:51PM

mathepac wrote:

I'd estimate 5% of the drinking population, who unfortunately seem to have a damaging relationship with alcoholl

That is complete shît.

Grayson · 29-07-2012 06:38PM

I wouldn't think anything of a mate who ordered a coke or fanta. But for some reason I'd take the piss out of them if they drank a non alcoholic beer.
I work Saturdays which is a bit of a problem because everyone I know heads out on Fridays. I'll still head out, have a few pints and switch to coke about midnight. I'll be tired the next day, but not hungover.
I know plenty of drinkers who won't drink at all if they're working the next day (although they tend to leave early. Most pubs are not places you'd want to be if you were sober after midnight).

Still, none of us would order an alcohol free beer.

barry711 · 29-07-2012 07:01PM

Maybe you ought to change the title to "Damning Indictment of my friends attitude toward Alcohol", as it currently suggests we all think like your mate does.

Damning Indictment of Ireland's Attitude Towards Alcohol

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