Soccer legends pull the pints in Dublin bar

CUSTOMERS at Bar 37 on Dawson were taken by surprise earlier this month when two football legends turned up at the trendy Southside watering hole.

It was all part of a publicity stunt organised by Carlsberg who set up the

‘Ultimate Carlsberg Football Bar’ in the pub to announce that the lager brand is official beer of the Premier League that kicks off this weekend.

During the promotion Ireland legend Jason McAteer acted as doorman, Liverpool hero John Barnes pulled pints and Sky Sports presenter Rachel Wyse chatted up customers.

Lucky punters at Bar 37 had absolutely no idea what they were walking into on the day and were able to spend the afternoon with the legends in the unique ‘pop-up’ pub.

The

‘Ultimate Football Bar’ showcased a sample of what Irish soccer fans can expect to see from Carlsberg’s Premier League sponsorship throughout the season as part of their new

‘Be There Next Weekend’ campaign.

The campaign will reward committed Irish Premier League fans with money-can’t-buy experiences such as VIP trips to Premier League games, presenting Man of the Match awards to players and many more soccer related prizes

Football legend Barnes said the Bar 37 customers got the surprise of a lifetime when the Carlsberg crew showed up.

“It was such a great experience for me,

? he added.

“I personally always love coming to Dublin and really enjoyed being barman for the day and pulling pints of Carlsberg – although it took me a few attempts to get the perfect pint!

“It was great to see some of the reactions of the fans and of course spend time with them talking about football.

?

Amongst the fans who dropped by was David Mannion from Lucan.

“I couldn’t believe it when I walked into the bar,

? he said.

“I must have looked completely stunned but for me it was a dream come true to meet such iconic football stars here in Ireland and have them serve me a pint in such a cool bar. I didn’t want to leave.

?

Barry Hickey from Tallaght, Caroline Bradshaw from Clondalkin, Gary Paul from Cherry Orchard and Ollie Cosgrove from Perrystown were some of the other lucky punters served by the legends.

Carlsberg senior brand manager, Julie Allman, described the event as a great experience for fans and legends alike.

“We really wanted to kick off our official beer sponsorship of the Premier League with something extra special for Irish football fans to enjoy, something totally unexpected that money simply couldn’t buy for them,

? she said.

“What better than to surprise them by creating the Ultimate Carlsberg Football Bar and give them the opportunity to meet true football legends.

?

Julie continued:

“And this is just the beginning. We’re excited about what is to come throughout the year for Irish football fans with our money-can’t-buy experiences and exclusive prizes.

?