Unlike the village, which would have had just one small shop, the Irish town of a century ago would have boasted a draper, a grocer, a hardware store, a post office and, of course, a pub. Here Fogarty's bar stands next door to Fitzpatrick the grocer. Fitzpatrick serves his customers a blend of home grown produce (eggs, butter, vegetables) and luxury items (sugar, spices and imported fruit) that are within the financial reach of town folk but would rarely be seen in the outlying villages.
   Next door, Fogarty serves his customers a heady mixture of "jar and jaw" -- they all know each other well and most have their own seats or places at the bar. On the counter stands a jug of fresh water which the customers help themselves to, for Fogarty knows it is a heinous crime to water another man's whisky. And with the fine Irish liquor there is conversation to match. The Irish have the ability to bring a new slant to almost any situation and there is no problem in the world that can't be solved (and resolved!) by an hour's discussion in Fogartys.