Thursday, July 11, 2019

An Interesting Ride Back to Dublin Airport...

Order of British Empire

Sovereign Military Order of Malta

Order of The House of Orange
 
 
If you follow my blog you'll know that I traveled to Ireland this past Sunday to meet with the Benedictine Nuns at Kylemore Abbey in County Galway...

During my time at Kylemore I met an individual by the name of Paul Smithwick.  Beer drinkers may recognize the last name -- yes, he's "beer royalty."  Paul's family began brewing Smithwick beer in 1702 in Kilkenny, Ireland.

Two years ago, Paul and his son Dan launched another brewery in Kilkenny -- Sullivan's Brewing Company.

Paul was kind enough to drive me from Kylemore Abbey to Dublin Airport (a four hour drive) on Tuesday.  During that time together -- I learned a great deal about Paul's career and some of the honors he's received...

I even convinced him to show me some of the "medals" that went with these honors (photos above).

I don't believe there are too many people walking around the planet who have been honored with the:

I can't thank Paul Smithwick enough for the hospitality he extended me -- driving me four hours to Dublin.  He didn't have to do that.