European Russia
The sumptuous room had queasily high ceilings and walls
covered with highly valuable pictures. Bringing these features
to my attention, Shane O’Neill, the First Secretary promptly
left the ambassador’s office and went next door. That left me
alone in the ambassador’s office wearing tee shirt and shorts.
Nothing could have been more inappropriate.
“A pub in Moscow which serves good Guinness?” said the
Secretary when he returned, studying a map. “The Shamrock
Irish Pub on this street has pretty good Guinness but, mmm,
it now lacks a certain appeal. So, although it’s a bit far, the
Sally O’Brien is good. It’s a great pub. The Irish often go
there . . .”
O’Neill, looking terribly serious, and with considerable
dignity, then proceeded to give me a lengthy run down of the
Irish pubs in Moscow.
(from "Against the Wind" - Poolbeg Press)
