A RETIRED ESB worker who downs 18 to 20 pints of Guinness every weekend has stunned doctors after they found he is in tip top health.
Kerry OAP Micheál O’Brien had jaws dropping with his boozing antics in tonight’s edition of The Clinic For Well People on Virgin Media One.
The four-part series examines people with no obvious health issues.
But this week it left docs baffled by answers given by Micheál on his alcohol consumption.
Micheál said: “I drink at weekends, and the average I could have is 18 to 20 pints of Guinness. There is no point in saying I drink any less because that’s what I do.”
But the pensioner was in for a shock when pulled up on his boozing by Dr Jean Kenny, the former Miss Cork and wife of celebrity personal trainer Karl Henry.
While praising the pensioner for alcohol-free days during the week, Dr Jean warned Micheál, or Mick as he is known to his pals, that he was drinking double the maximum units of alcohol for a week.
Dr Jean said: “I’m not saying don’t enjoy a pint but what’s recommended for men is 17 standard drinks and a standard drink is calculated at half a pint of beer.”
But Micheál, who keeps himself fit by walking 25 miles per week, could have some help in his genes.
His father worked until he was 90 on the home farm, drove until 93 and died of a stroke at 97.
While his mother also lived into her 90s and an aunt lived to be 102.
Dr Jean told him after a full health check: “You have the genetics everyone would love to have. So if you can look after yourself, you can probably live to 102 as well.”
Speaking after the meeting with doctors, Micheal said he was delighted with his health but said: “I’ll have to think about the amount of Guinness and consume what the doctors say I should consume.”
- The Clinic For Well People airs on Wednesday night at 9pm on Virgin Media Play and Virgin Media One
CONSIDER A DRY MONTH
Drinkaware is the national independent charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol misuse.
According to Drinkaware’s 2024 Barometer Report, 37 per cent of adults now agree they would like to drink alcohol less often.
And the charity is encouraging people to consider undertaking Dry January – a month-long challenge to go alcohol-free and reassess drinking habits.
But really, this challenge can be started in any month of the year, so it’s never too late.
For those looking to take part, Drinkaware provided the following tips:
- Set Clear Goals– Write down your reasons for participating, whether to improve your health, save money, or feel more energised.
- Reimagine Socialising – Opt for alcohol-free social events, like walks, cinema outings, or coffee catch-ups with friends.
- Challenge Yourself – Step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself by attending events without drinking alcohol. Whether it’s a theatre performance, a comedy club, or a live music gig, you can fully immerse yourself in the experience and enjoy the energy of the crowd without the need for a drink.
- Don’t Be Hard on Yourself– If you slip up, don’t be discouraged. Every alcohol-free day is a success.
- Consider Alternative Beverages– Try alcohol-free options like mocktails, sparkling water, or non-alcoholic beer. Having various enjoyable drinks on hand can help you feel less tempted and make the experience more fun.
- Make it a Lifestyle — If the dry month is helping you, consider continuing some of the positive habits beyond the month. For example, choose certain days a week or month to remain alcohol-free or reduce your overall intake.
Also, to help people make decisions around their drinking, Drinkaware has created the Drinks Calculator.
Simply enter the type and amount of drinks you consumed during the week and the tool will calculate the amount of pure alcohol you have consumed and how it relates to the HSE low-risk weekly guidelines.
For more information, see drinkaware.ie.