quote:

Originally posted by Blackmore:
“I feel awful for the staff. They’ve suffered so many robberies over the years, they’re worn out."

This is the part of Ireland most tourists don't know exists. Watch The General starring Brendan Gleeson as real life hoodlum Martin Cahill for an excellent treatment of Irish criminality. (Jon Voight is also excellent as Cahill's Garda protagonist).

We were in Kinsale on the south coast when an armored car delivery was made to a bank. It was escorted, not by the Gardai, but by the Irish Army. We were across the street watching and were gestured to move along by one of the squadies. Our Irish friends said that was pretty much SOP.

quote:

Originally posted by tacfoley:

Not 'pretty much', but as a civic duty performed by the PDF in behalf of the government - free of charge. It is called MACP - military aid to the civil powers.

quote:

Originally posted by Blackmore:

quote:

Originally posted by tacfoley:

Not 'pretty much', but as a civic duty performed by the PDF in behalf of the government - free of charge. It is called MACP - military aid to the civil powers.

Thanks for the clarification. This occurred some time ago so I wasn't sure if it was still the case.

On some of our many trips there we've also had eye opening experiences in Omagh and Crossmaglen.