A fresh perspective on Ireland’s humor arises, suggesting that rather than a lack of it, the country’s inhabitants may be hesitant to express their witty observations openly. The humorous column authored by “An Outsider” delves into this, attributing reticence to the fear of offending those who are central to the comical situation. This new angle encourages embracing laughter even when the joke is on oneself, rather than just others.
The author, operating under the pseudonym “An Outsider,” navigates the topic with candidness and wit. The column has garnered smiles from its readers, occasionally inciting suppressed annoyance from those implicated by its humorous anecdotes. The column’s persona promises to be as enigmatic as the renowned “Janus.” However, unlike Janus, whose identity has never been revealed, this column’s identity is not shrouded in ambiguity, and its satirical intent is clear.
Transitioning from philosophical musings, the column delves into a more tangible source of amusement: observing a man purchasing a horse. While the process itself might not evoke much humor, the situation takes on a different hue when observing the annual “Slave Market” in towns like Newcastle West or Kilmallock. The term’s oriental nuance aside, the events at this hiring market generate an oriental flavor, as locals christen it. A newspaper excerpt is cited, detailing the hiring market’s proceedings in Kilmallock, involving boys, girls, and farmers. Deals are slow to materialize, as all parties adopt a waiting strategy due to the early stage of the season. The statement concludes with a hint of the humor underlying these transactions, reflecting on the fickleness of young women and how it’s made the countrymen more cautious.
Shifting focus, the column touches on a recent controversy surrounding the dietary changes in a local institution, which proposed substituting beef for bacon. This sparked a humorous debate at a Limerick Board of Guardians meeting. Mr Robert Nix, renowned for his wit, humorously remarked that bacon was unfit for a sick person and that bacon-based diets could lead to an untimely demise. His witty verses humorously conveyed his perspective on the matter, suggesting that an old hen or a few pounds of beef would be more suitable to extend life than a diet of bacon.
The author then points out how public representatives find themselves in precarious positions, especially when proposing salary increases for certain officers. The fear of displeasing constituents and landlords, who may decide to raise rents due to salary adjustments, creates an intricate balancing act for public figures.
In anticipation of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Day, the author notes the collective closure of public houses, fostering a true national holiday atmosphere. However, the Bishop, in a letter to the National Holiday Committee, hopes that the “back” as well as front doors of the establishments will remain closed.
Concluding, the column playfully revisits the topic of women proposing to men, responding to a reader’s criticism. The playful argument is rekindled with a dash of humor, considering if men’s “worth” could be the factor preventing such proposals.
Ultimately, “An Outsider” sheds light on the humor embedded within daily life, encouraging readers to embrace it even in challenging situations, while highlighting the subtleties and idiosyncrasies that often go unnoticed.
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 13 March 1906
