DECLINE OF THE BOTTLED PINT

JOHN CUSSEN,

JOHN CUSSEN,

Madam, - It was good to see the Polish Prime Minister, Leszek Miller, pouring a pint bottle of Guinness to celebrate Ireland's Yes vote in the Nice referendum. (The Irish Times, October 21st) even if he was obviously making a hash of the job. At least he was able to get his hands on a large bottle, which is unavailable in 90 per cent of Irish public houses these days.

Apart from its stronghold in Waterford, the pint bottle is an endangered species. It used to be a popular tipple in this area where it was familiarly known as a "Danno". In Listowel its nickname was a "Bo Jonter".

I have been unable to ascertain the derivation of this peculiar sobriquet. - Yours, etc.,

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JOHN CUSSEN,

Clooneen,

Newcastle West,

Co Limerick.