Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
This week, check out John Whelan. Giving the craft of pouring creamy pints of Guinness and magically delicious shots of Irish Whisky stateside some authenticity, this Irishman, who hit the States in '09, isn’t afraid to rock a mullet – or a pink Snuggie. Now loving life behind esteemed Hibernian taps — voted best Irish pub in NC by irishbeerfinder.com — when he's not pouring pints or putting them away, you'll find him taking in life at full speed from his bike, surfboard or moped. But if you feel like slowing down and taking in a lil luck of the Irish, hop over to Hibernian and belly up to John’s bar; it’s not exactly rubbing the Blarney Stone, but it’s close.
Hometown: Ashbourne, a small town in County Meath, Ireland.
Three things in Ireland you'd give anything to have right now: A season ticket for the Irish rugby team, a clatter of creamy pints of Guinness in my local with my friends and a full Irish breakfast with my family to cure the hangover the next morning.
What you love about living in the States: Massive slices of NY pizza, great choices of microbrews and “Oprah” is on three times a day.
What you could live without (in the States): Afternoons in Walmart.
Hibernian recently won best Irish pub in the state. What about it is so authentic? It's like the pubs back at home. It brings together all the good things a great Irish bar has: a casual comfortable place to have a drink by yourself or to catch up with friends — where the staff is quick to make you feel welcome. And the Guinness is great!
How coworkers would describe you: Remarkable, pure and noble.
Your fav libation: Perfectly crafted pints of Guinness.
Drink you wouldn't lament ever making again: Sugar-rimmed lemon drops on a busy night.
People should drink more: Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum. It's my new vice.
If you had to, which of your coworkers would you trip and why? We're all lovers at the Hibernian.
If you could live in any fictional place, where would it be? Oompaland.
A song you never skip on your iPod: Johnny Logan's “Hold Me Now.”
Movie you’ve watched over and over: “Braveheart.”
This song was probably written about you: “Holding Out for a Hero” by Bonnie Tyler.
Beer everyone must try: Arrogant Bastard [by Stone Brewing].
Fictional character with whom you most identify: Johnny “Drama.”
Biggest pop culture train wreck: Shane MacGowan, but he's a lyrical genius.
Fav ’90s catchphrase: Ali G's “Me Julie.”
On your DVR: “Entourage.”
You sometimes get mistaken for: When I had my mullet and beard, the lead singer of Dexy's Midnight Runners Kevin Rowland.
Your celeb crush: Rosario Dawson.
People should know you: Go commando.
One thing you refuse to do under any circumstances: Watch “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Pet peeve: Toilet roll holders.
Funniest thing you've been asked to do while bartending? Asked to wear a pink Snuggie while pulling pints behind bar.
What one thing do you wish you could tell people about patronizing any bar? I don't get people that don't tip. It’s just stingy. If you come to a bar, you’re coming to be served; so please remember to tip. Without your tips we make NO money. For those of you who do, thank you so much. You are the ones that make our jobs worthwhile.
A bartender's best friend is: Rubber floor mats.
If you're not at work, you're most likely: At the beach.
Triangle bar you like to kick it at other than your own: The Landmark in downtown Raleigh and Bull McCabe’s in Durham.
