If you're in Dublin, wondering how you can support a restaraunt or business that really deserves it, please read on. When HMV closed, with the loss of 1,500 jobs across the country, the media, the government and maybe even some of you honed in on the wrong thing altogether.

"What about punters with vouchers?" While my friends and colleagues were wondering how we would afford rent, support families and find jobs, we had to listen to seemingly endless (admittedly valid) complaints about vouchers.

Apparently being out of pocket by €15 was more important to the average Irish person than 1,500 of their countrymen & countrywomen (countryfolk?) being suddenly unemployed.

I had worked for HMV for 7 years, since turning 18 in fact, and that was one of the worst times of my life, but I will never forget the kindness shown to all of us by @McGrathDylan.

The word went out; any ex-HMV staff were welcome to a free meal at each of Dylan McGrath's restaraunts. It sounded too good to be true, but I lived near town and frankly needed the win, so in we went, myself and a few of my old colleagues, to Rustic Stone.

Every single member of staff we dealt with was kind, sympathetic and most remarkably of all, generous. We were offered everything and everything on the menu. It was like being looked after by loving family, if your family was headed by a Michelin starred chef.

The following week, one of my ex-HMV friends heard about this generous offer. We thought we'd missed the boat, but no harm in asking. In to @FadeStSocial we went, and you'd have sworn we were beloved grandchildren, such was the generosity shown.

I think that meal might have been the best in my life, for a combination of reasons. Yes, the food was phenomenal, and I can't imagine being in better company, but what sets my experience apart is the spirit of the meal. An act of pure generosity & class.

We were looked after for no reason other than the pure soundness of @McGrathDylan, and his team. So please, if you're looking to do your bit to support Irish business, patronise one that was there for Irish workers.

Dylan McGrath & Co were there for us when it didn't affect them, without a reason to care. That's who deserves your support when it affects us all.

To my knowledge, Dylan McGrath's restaurants are
@FadeStSocial, @brasseriesixty6, and Rustic Stone. Sound.
#Ireland #covid19 #supportlocal #Dublin