From Ballynahinch to Felinfoel
At first sight there is little that links the County Down market town of Ballynahinch and Felinfoel, a small village adjoining Llanelli in Dyfed, Wales. Well this Sunday such a link did occur and the occasion was the All Ireland AIB Rugby Cup where Ballynahinch were playing in the final.
The final was between Cork Constitution and Ballynahinch. To put this in perspective it is a little like the Chicago Bears playing the University of Chicago. This is no insult to the Maroons, having thoroughly enjoyed a few of their televised matches, it is just used to illustrate the difference in standing.
Ballynahinch had beaten a number of senior teams on their way to the final, but were still not expected to win. As the match started I felt the need for a beer and found we had run out of my favourite, our Barelegs Brew. How does the Managing Director of a brewery run out of his own beer? I’m still trying to work that out and an internal investigation has already been started!
Searching for suitable Rugby beer I came across a case of Felinfoel Double Dragon which I had bought to celebrate Saint David’s Day (Welsh patron saint) 2008! I was a little concerned about the quality of the beer given its age, but given my predicament i.e. no beer, I had little choice. The beer was great! And it just goes to show how ridiculous the European ruling is which makes us put a best before date on our beer of not more than one year after production. This beer was as good as the ones I drank in March 2008 and I’m now looking forward to remainder of the case!
Double Dragon is another of those beers that has been reduced in strength. I remember being in Leicester on business a number of years ago and finding Double Dragon on tap. After drinking my first pint I returned for a second, only to be quizzed by the barman whether I was driving. On asking for an explanation I was told that Double Dragon was so strong that Leicestershire police had asked the bars to check if people drinking more than a pint of it were driving, as it would put them over the UK alcohol limits!
I remember Double Dragon being over 6% and being creamy with a rich full taste. Today’s version is still good. At 4.2% it is still as smooth and has a nice balance of malts and hops making it a nice full ale, one worthy of title “The National Ale of Wales”
And the Rugby? Well it was another of those David and Goliath situations where the little guys turned out to be the victors. As the BBC put it “the Division Two side pulled off a memorable win over favourites Cork Constitution in the final of the AIB Cup at Dubarry Park on Sunday”. I watched an enthralling match and the 17 – 6 score truly reflected the game. Two great tries and heaps of determination and effort. This is the first time the AIB Cup has been out of Munster, well done Ballynahinch.
So Ballynahinch met Felinfoel. Great rugby, great beer, a great afternoon!
