Smithwick’s Brewery is probably the best known, and most spoken of workplace in Kilkenny. And for good reason. The history of the site, and the founding of the Abbey are just two good reasons that the place is so popular. Add in the wonderful staff, and you have the contents of a bestseller book.
The staff came from all corners of Kilkenny and indeed Ireland. For me, at least, when you think of Smithwick’s Brewery, the first thing that comes to mind is fun. Whether you met the staff at a dance, in a pub, or at a hurling match, you can be sure of a laugh. Banter flowed easily and always in good taste. It would be fair to say, the the ‘Brewery gang’ were sound. As far as sports was concerned , Smithwicks Brewery was well represented. Areas such as Hurling, squash, golf, handball, badminton to name but a few. The brewery also had a fair share of ambassadors in the world of the arts also. And for anyone fundraising, Smithwicks was always good for sponsoring local events.
Pensioners
And although it is closed for nigh on 13 years , the pensioners from the ‘ale house are still very active. Many actually meet every Thursday to reminisce, have a laugh, play a game of darts, and of course drink a few ales. Recently there was a reunion of Smithwick’s pensioners organised by Gerry Massey, Robert Murphy & Martin Condren (all former employees). Gerry takes up the story. “ We always admired the people at the Brewery. From the time I started in 1981 there was always a great bond there. It was a different era I suppose, but people always looked out for each other.” Gerry went on to say that if you had a job, you counted yourself lucky and because of that whenever there was a collection for a special cause or a charity no one was found wanting. Gerry quoted older people on the street when he was growing up : we haven’t much, but what we have we’ll share. “Working at the Brewery, you would have heard all the stories about different people working there, both management and staff” said Gerry. “We thought it would be a good idea that those people be remembered”, continued Mr Massey. And so, they decided to have a reunion with the central theme being the unveiling of a plaque honouring the countless generations of men and women who worked in Smithwick’s Brewery across its long 303 year history, shaping one of Kilkenny’s most enduring traditions. The plaque now sits proudly in the bar area of The Smithwick’s Brewery Visitor centre. Every pensioner attending the reunion donated €25, and what was really pleasant (but not surprising) was that there were many pensioners who couldn’t attend, but insisted on making the donation. A total of €3,280 was raised which was donated to the Carlow Kilkenny Homecare team.
Accepting the cheque on behalf of the Home Care team, Leslie Moynan thanked the Smithwick’s committee for the generous donation. Speaking to members of the organising committee, Mr Moynan said that “donations such as yours, allow us to continue our work in Carlow and Kilkenny”
Thanks
Gerry acknowledged the support of Colin O’Brien, Global Head of Beer Supply in Diageo. Colin also worked in Smithwick’s and spent several years there is the early stages his career. Gerry also acknowledged the great sponsorship of Robert Murphy, Head of Baileys Operations, as without this the event could not have. Also, Eamonn Corcoran who gave freely of his time in supporting and coordinating collecting all the donations. According to Joseph O Carroll’s book’ Historic Kilkenny ( 1978) the monks had been brewing ale since the 14th century, and a commercial brewery — Smithwick’s — was established to brew Irish red ale in 1710. A lot of good men and women have passed through those gates and it is only fitting that they be remembered. This recently erected plaque does just that. If only you could bottle it. Which is how it all started really!
