I’ve never much considered myself a people person - that’s not to say I’m not friendly, because I am - it’s just that I don’t think I have the charisma needed for some job titles. One such occupation is that of a bartender. Not only must they be attentive, sociable and accurate, they should be able to work well under pressure. And while I may posess those qualities to a certain degree, I’m fairly certain, on a crowded weekend in particular, I would find it rather difficult.

Regardless, for this week’s installment of Punching the Clock, I headed down South Broad Street to the Blarney Stone Pub. I arrived around 4 p.m., just as they were opening for the day, greeted by owner Sarah Woods and your friendly neighborhood bartender, Aaron McEligot. Lights had just been turned on, televisions were on various sports channels, music was playing in the background, and it was just an overall cozy atmosphere. Any sort of apprehension I had felt had gone out the window - or out the door, rather - as the screen doors were allowing a nice breeze to come through.

Before taking to any duties myself, I just observed as McEligot prepared for his shift. He made sure the beverages on tap were good to go and filled bowls with assorted snacks for patrons to munch on. A couple of people strolled through, and he greeted them with a smile, knowing their names and beverage preference before they had to ask. I overheard them making small talk about the patron’s day at work, and they chatted about golf for a little bit.

I then took a seat at one of the tables a little bit away from the bar, and spoke with owner Sarah Woods for a couple of minutes. Sarah and husband Mike Woods purchased the establishment in 2007. They were frequent patrons of the previous ‘Music Shop Pub,’ friends with the owner, and when the opportunity presented itself, to purchase the pub, they decided to take it. For the past seven years, the Blarney Stone Pub has been a welcoming place for folks to come enjoy themselves - whether it be after a long day of work, or an evening out to catch up with friends.

During our conversation, someone walked through the back door, greeted by name by both Woods and McEligot. McEligot asked the customer how something-or-other went last night, and they continued chatting as McEligot made his drink.

“We’re kind of like the Cheers of Norwich,” said Woods. “Everyone knows one another and it’s a friendly atmosphere.”