A book, a beer and some running gear; basically all the pursuits you could hope to follow this weekend sorted.
McGargles Craft beer
People who say they like their beer might venture to the pub for a few pints of a weekend, but people who really like their beer often aren’t content with what they can get on tap and need a drink that’s gone through a more rigorous brewing process than your average tipple.
If you like your craft beer, then you can’t go wrong with McGargle’s Irish Family brewers and fans of the brand could be in for more than just a nice brew if they help the global search for the ‘The Lost McGargle’ that began earlier this month. In a bid to find their lost relative, the McGargle family are asking the public to send them a selfie via Facebook or Twitter with their McGargle name using #McGargleMe or to log on to their website and take a selfie using a magic camera.
Why selfies? Because, as Granny McGargle says: “As sure as I know me and my kin, I’d know ye to be a McGargle as soon as I see ye!” There’s no point spoofin’ Granny.
If you’re the lucky McGargle and your selfie is chosen, you’ll have a beer developed for you and named after your McGargle’s character.
What’s more, your beer will be launched in Ireland, Canada and New York, you’ll receive an official McGargle portrait drawn up and printed on your special brew and best of all, you’ll be brought to the brewery to see it being made, no matter where on Earth you happen to be based.
For more details on how to enter, click here.
PUMA NightCat running jacket
It might have been all well and good running in just a t-shirt and a pair of shorts during the unusually balmy summer we enjoyed not so long ago, but this week served as a harsh reminder that winter is very much upon us.
The drop in temperature and lack of sunlight in the evening doesn’t mean you have to stop your running routines, however, and PUMA have developed a jacket that will allow you to be seen on the roads without having to look like a builder with a high-vis vest.
The PUMA Pure NightCat Jacket is made with VisiCELL materials to keep you visible in the darker winter months, but it’s very comfortable and light enough that you barely realise you’re wearing the extra layers.
The jacket also comes with lazercut holes in the back for improved air circulation at critical heat zones, an anatomical shaped collar will prevent any friction at the hair line and it has a zip pocket with an earphone loop on the inside so you can listen to some tunes while you run without any inconvenience.
If you’re looking for a light and comfortable jacket to keep you warm and to keep you visible during the winter months, the PUMA NightCat Jacket is the perfect piece of kit and it can be yours for €72 on amphibianking.ie.
Who’s Feckin’ Who In Irish History by Colin Murphy
If you’ve ever pondered over those wacky and wonderful questions that your mates pose to you about Irish history while your at the pub then this is definitely the book for you.
Colin Murphy takes great pride in taking an irreverent and light-hearted look at some of Ireland’s most important historical figures like Daniel O’Connell, Arthur Griffith and Eamon de Valera. The years 387-1920 saw ‘a few’ changes in Irish society and this book revels in looking at “Ireland’s favourite heroes and gougers, from the great to the gormless”.
Some of the anecdotes and insights are superb, for example regarding the lack of Micahel Collins statues in Ireland he says, “Perhaps in the centenary years ahead someone will finally get the finger out and properly commemorate Ireland’s Lost Leader”.
The book offers a nice mix between historical facts and an informal up-beat tone and lets face it, everyone wants to know if an Irish monk actually discovered America or which rebel died having a feckin’ tooth pulled.
Highly recommended if you want to learn a few more interesting facts, stories and insights about Irish history but you can’t bring yourself to attending a 10 week history course. Go maith.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
