When it comes to friendliness and fun, I hold the Irish to higher standards than people of other countries. So when the chap at the car rental desk at Shannon airport was merely civil, I was disappointed – not only in him, but perhaps in his country, too. I felt let down. I mean, this was harsh, as he wasn’t remotely unfriendly, but I had expected more. On some level, I wanted to peer over the counter and see a furious stepdance in full flow below, even as his static top half tried to sell me extra insurance cover. But nothing. Where was this man’s craic?
I don’t think you should use that word if you are not from Ireland, but I ask again: where was his craic? He was Irish, therefore I needed more from him than simple efficiency. I appreciate this nonsense arises from me subscribing to a national stereotype as cheap as any other, but I would plead that there are worse prejudices to harbour.
