Rugby fans try to drink the pubs dry

[moe.ron]

By Sam Riches
October 27, 2003

THE pub with no beer took on a new meaning across Adelaide yesterday, as thirsty World Cup rugby fans drained the kegs and left publicans crying for more.

Many turned to brewery representatives, sister hotels and outer metropolitan pubs to replace rapidly draining and empty kegs.

Irish pubs were among those most sought after by fans, before and after their team's clash with Argentina at Adelaide Oval last night. However, Irish pubs were not the only places running out of beer.

Irish rugby fans drinking at the Rosemont Hotel in Hindley St were not so surprised.

"What do you expect when a bunch of Paddies come to town?" said fan Eddie Shanley, who HAD travelled from Sydney for yesterday's game.

"We have a reputation to maintain. We tried to drink this place out yesterday but narrowly failed. But you can't just blame the Irish – I've noticed the Aussies and the Argentinians like to drink too."

The pubs and clubs also cashed in as brewery agents organised deliveries from morning 'til night yesterday – on top of already inflated stock orders.

"Flat-out" and "chockers" were about the only words Michael O'Shaunessy of the Rosemont Hotel had time to utter while serving customers.

The pub, which usually finishes about 20 kegs a week, drained more than 35 over the weekend and were yesterday waiting on an order of a further 15.

Staff were desperately looking to replenish depleted stocks of Guinness, Kilkenny and sponsor beverage Heineken.

Criterion host Symon Lessue said demand was "massive" as he organised incoming deliveries.

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