To mark ‘Social Spin,’ a new collaborative pilot initiative by Guinness, the Vintners Federation of Ireland and a group of Kerry publicans, Hollywood actor Chris O’Dowd got behind the wheel and drove some of the local community to the pub in Faha to show his support for the cause.
'Having noticed a steady decline in people coming through their doors, publicans in Causeway North Kerry and Faha, South Kerry, came together to address isolation in the community by creating a unique transport solution involving the whole community,' the group said.
Every day from 5pm to closing time, over 70 volunteer drivers throughout Causeway and Faha have signed up to get behind the wheel, opting to drive to the pub and back home in place of drinking.
“Having grown up in Boyle, a rural area in Roscommon, I understand the significance of the local pub in bringing people together in a community – it’s a social hub, somewhere to catch up and share stories," said Chris O'Dowd.
"Socialising is part of our DNA and I think Social Spin is a brilliant and simple way of nurturing and celebrating this sociability, which is such an important part of our culture”.
Watch the video here:
How it Works
Pub-goers can either call or text the dedicated ‘Social Spin’ number when they want to head down to the pub to meet people.
There is no charge for the use of the service, but users have the opportunity, if they so wish, to give a maximum voluntary contribution of €5 on any given evening, the group explained.
"Socialising is the fabric that knits our community in Faha together, and fewer people meeting up in a social setting began to impact the atmosphere in the area," said Sean O’Mahony, owner and publican at Faha Court Pub.
"We knew something had to be done, so we bought a community car, set up a dedicated mobile number and asked people to volunteer to drive their friends and neighbours to and from the pub.”
All seven publicans who have introduced ‘Social Spin’ into their communities across Causeway and Faha have seen a positive impact with notable increase in sociability, a more connected community spirit and a renewed sense of vibrancy in the area.
"Social Spin is a progressive and positive solution that addresses rural isolation and also brings communities together in the pub in a safe and positive way,” added Alan McAleenan, marketing director, Guinness.
Anyone over 25 years of age and licensed to drive can sign up and volunteer to drive the Social Spin car.
For more information click here.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
