Care for a pint? Irish master brewer tempts queen

[May 18, 2011]  DUBLIN (AP) -- Queen Elizabeth II's journey of reconciliation was taking her Wednesday to the site of a notorious massacre where British troops killed 14 Irish civilians in 1920.

The queen's visit to Croke Park on the second day of her historic trip to the Republic of Ireland highlights the vast improvement in Anglo-Irish relations since those dark days. It brings the English monarch to a large stadium that is a revered spot for Irish nationalists who mourn those who died there during the conflict with Britain.

She and husband Prince Philip began the day with a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, one of Ireland's most popular sites, and also saw the famous Gravity Bar, which offers a panoramic view of Dublin.

Master brewer Fergal Murray expertly prepared a pint of Guinness for the queen in the Gravity Bar, but she declined after smiling broadly. Prince Philip gazed at the brew with obvious longing but also walked away without a taste.

Earlier, he had joked with Murray, "Is it made with Liffey water?" referring to the nearby river.

The Guinness tour struck a light note on an otherwise serious visit. The queen went directly from the Guinness building for a meeting with Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny.

Later Wednesday, she will make her only public speech of the four-day visit during a state dinner hosted by Irish President Mary McAleese, who invited the queen to visit Ireland.

The queen is receiving high marks from the Irish press for her dignified conduct during the first day of her long-anticipated visit.

The Irish Daily Mail noted the widespread respect for the queen's decision to honor Ireland's rebels on her first day in Dublin by laying a wreath at the Garden of Remembrance, a memorial to those who fought against British rule.

"With one momentary bow of the head, Queen Elizabeth II banished centuries of mistrust yesterday in a historic first visit to the Republic of Ireland by a reigning British monarch," wrote journalist Senan Molony.

The front page showed a photo of the solemn queen honoring the fallen.

The queen's visit to Croke Park came at the invitation of the Gaelic Athletic Association, a pillar of Irish sports and cultural life. The group said it looks forward to welcoming the queen in light of the continuing improvement in relations and the success of the Northern Ireland peace process.

The queen also plans to visit the Irish National War Memorial Garden at Islandbridge to honor approximately 49,400 Irish soldiers who died during World War I.

Her visit has dominated Irish newspapers and TV reports. Many approved of her arrival outfit, which emphasized emerald green.

Despite the friendly welcome, the queen will still be protected by an exceptionally large security contingent including more than 8,500 police backed by troops. Some arrests were made overnight, and much of downtown Dublin was closed to motorists and pedestrians Wednesday morning.

There were several scuffles and protests on Tuesday after the queen's arrival. Dissident groups have said further disruptions are possible.

On Thursday, the queen plans to visit the Irish National Stud to indulge her love of horses. She also hosts a gala dinner for Irish dignitaries Thursday evening before traveling to Cork on Friday.

[Associated Press; By GREGORY KATZ]

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