Day 8 (Tuesday)- Malzard-O'Gradys Pub (Daily Diary)
Dating back to 1789, the Malzard's -O'Gradys Pub has been in the family of its current owner- Fred Malzard- for over five generations and 200 plus years. Originally, the business was started by James ("The Boss") O'Grady, on the main street of Stonyford Village, County Kilkenny, to service a population that had risen locally due to the opening of a large woolen mill.
In 1894, Fred's great grandmother married a Malzard from the Channel Islands. When Fred's grandfather- Alfie Malzard- returned to Stonyford to manage the pub, the Malzard name was added to the pub front. Intriguing history aside, this pub is all about family and community.
To this day, Fred's parents live behind the pub, while Fred's family (including his wife and three daughters) live on the same street, just a few doors away. Passionately proud of his local village, Fred has grown up on this street, he went to school locally, he played hurling (an ancient Gaelic game) in the local fields and he counts his neighbors as his friends.
At the heart of this village is the Malzard-O'Gradys Pub and at the heart of this pub is Fred Malzard; a man who knows how to bring together a local community in a lively celebration of storytellers, musicians, hurling enthusiasts (young and old) and experienced pint pullers.
In an atmosphere of pure fun- and in the presence of local people who happen to pop in for a chat and a drink- visitors are treated to an experience that compels them to become a true Stonyford local as they learn how to puck a hurl, pull a pint, sing-along and dance with sheer delight and abandonment!
Aimee and Lar dropped by the Manor and ordered "a spot of tea" so we could say goodbye.
After last night's celebration, we started moving at 10:00 am. At 11:00 am, the phone rang, and it was Amy and Lar who were downstairs and wanted to have some tea and say goodbye.
We threw on our cleanest, dirty clothes and headed to the Manor House front lawn, where we had tea, laughed, and giggled some more. We sat there for an hour, and at the end, the two guys from last night came looking for a jacket they had left last night. We wondered how we got that jacket this morning.
The tea hit the spot!
Returning to our room, we cleaned up because a get-together of the participants was planned at the local pub. The departure is scheduled at 4:45 pm., so I had to get something to eat or celebrate on an empty stomach; it's not a great idea.
We walked around a bit and then returned to our room to get ready for today!
We wandered down to the dining area and picked a seat near the window. Mary ordered soup, and I ordered a pastrami sandwich. Of course, we had a glass of wine to wash it down.
We studied the map so in case we missed the bus, we could get to O'Grady's pub.
I just read an article about the dangers of drinking, and it really scared me. I decided right then and there, that's it, no more reading!
Why the serious look? Trying to decide which wine to try!
Mary studies the map.
We can almost walk to the pub, getting back is another story!
It was a beautiful day out, no rain in sight.
We could crawl back home if need be!
We said hello to Becky outside the pub,
As we are about to go inside we had a photo-op
The proprietor awaits our arrival!
Watch our for the doors, they are smaller than back home. 
David with Mary's youngest grandson, Ethan!
"Hey Grandma, wanna dance?"?
Geoff, Mary's oldest son!
"Who is that strange man?"
Mary visits the family.
Who is shy?
Adam would not smile for us.
Adam is doing a serious game of peek-a-boo!
The cocktail of choice for tonight.
Mary and family!
Who is the short one in the center?
David, Becky, Mary & Geoff.
Mary is having a great time visiting!
All smiles!
That's what all us men say!
Great fun was had by all!
Straws?
The Guinness is being poured!
"Hang on Uncle Mike, I have this!"
"Please, grab one of those!"
They are teaching them young!
This area reserved for old fuddy-duddies!
Did You Know? - Hurling (Irish: iománaíocht, iomáint) is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic Irish origin, played by men. One of Ireland's native Gaelic games, it shares a number of features with Gaelic football, such as the field and goals, the number of players and much terminology. The same game played by women is called camogie (camógaíocht), which shares a common Gaelic root.
The objective of the game is for players to use an ash wood stick called a hurley to hit a small ball called a sliotar between the opponent's goalposts either over the crossbar for one point or under the crossbar into a net guarded by a goalkeeper for three points. The sliotar can be caught in the hand and carried for not more than four steps, struck in the air or struck on the ground with the hurley. It can be kicked, or slapped with an open hand (the hand pass), for short-range passing. A player who wants to carry the ball for more than four steps has to bounce or balance the sliotar on the end of the stick (solo), and the ball can only be handled twice while in the player's possession.
Provided that a player has at least one foot on the ground, he may make a shoulder-to-shoulder charge on an opponent who is in possession of the ball or is playing the ball, or when both players are moving in the direction of the ball.
No protective padding is worn by players. A plastic protective helmet with a faceguard is mandatory for all age groups as of 2010. The game has been described as "a bastion of humility", with player names absent from jerseys and a player's number decided by his position on the field.
As the bride says, "It's a game where Irishmen beat the hell out of each other with sticks"
Score!
Did you get the picture?
The champs!
Did You Know? - Green Spot is one of the few remaining bonded Irish whiskeys. Along with Mitchell's three older offerings, Yellow Spot, Red Spot, and Blue Spot. It is one of only four whiskeys specifically produced for and sold by an independent wine merchant in Ireland
Breakfast of champions (before)
Did You Know? - Green Spot is a single-pot still Irish whiskey produced specifically for Mitchell & Son of Dublin by Irish Distillers at the Midleton Distillery in Cork, Ireland. Green Spot is among the few remaining bonded Irish whiskeys, along with Mitchell's three older offerings, Yellow Spot, Red Spot, and Blue Spot. It is one of only four whiskeys specifically produced for and sold by an independent wine merchant in Ireland.
Breakfast of champions (after)
Long time friends
Hang on Uncle Mike, I have this!
"No No... You need a little more elbow motion!"
"Let me show you guys!"
The guitar arrives and sounds begin!
The pub master arranges the instrument necessary!
Becky gets the bongos!
Did You Know? - Bongos are an Afro-Cuban percussion instrument consisting of a pair of small open bottomed hand drums of different sizes. The pair consists of the larger hembra (lit. 'female') and the smaller macho (lit. 'male'), which are joined by a wooden bridge. They are played with both hands and usually held between the legs, although in some cases, as in classical music, they may be played with sticks or mounted on stands.
I need a cold beer to cool down the drums.
Applause for the little drummer!
We could hear the drums three doors down.
Go Dan Go!!
Thank goodness the strings were rubber or the police would have come!
The Irish Rovers have little chance against these professionals!
Beat the drums and pluck the strings... All is well in Ireland!
Alcohol was flowing
this evening.
Are you sure?
Just one more!?
Let's all dance!
"Yee Haw!!"
David and Becky visiting.
The little guys is wondering what is happening around him! So is David!
Family is important.
Becky and Mom looking great together.
"Really?"
How much would pay to be a fly on the wall??
The camera is overheating this evening.
Mary with a little help from AI!
Dang
We left the pub around 9:00 pm. and headed to 1757 for cocktails. About half the group joined us, and we finally hit the sack around midnight.
