One for the Christmas and the new Westport stationmaster....
Long ago, maybe back in the late 70's. Ronnie Drew presented himself in a rather agitated state in Westport station for the morning train. Ronnie's focus, though wasn't on the departure time, but where he could get a drink. He was informed that the only drink available was on the dining car, but the only person that had the keys was the attendant and he hadn't arrived yet.
"Ah jaysus". Off went Ronnie, marching up and down the platform, checking his watch. 10 minutes went by, then 15. Ronnie's steps were getting faster. By now, word had spread and the entire staff were agog. Driver, signalman, shunter, guard, checker, platform men, stationmaster, the lot were all looking out of windows, around corners, at Ronnie, thinking, God all the stories are true about the Dubliners.
The attendant strolled up eventually and was directed,lively like, to get the bar open for Ronnie. Onto the train, he went, Ronnie's behind him, breathing on his neck. Rattle of keys, the panels sprung open.
"What can I get you, Ronnie"
"Do yez have a can of Fanta? I'm fecking parched"
And the whole station let out a sigh of disappointment......