I’ve always have worn Hanna Hats for my Irish cap. Ever since I can remember my mom would bring me up to Donnegal imports on the northside of the city and Alex was the owner. He had a thick brogue, my Grandparents (Dads parents) were “off the boat” as they say and had brogues but Alex he had a heavy one, he was hard to understand but incredibly kind and jolly. You’d look around at his shillelaghs, sweaters, candy and sweatshirts and I was impressed with a lot of it, and puzzled by some of it. Alex would somehow sneak up on you and say something incredibly loud and fast, I couldn’t understand the first half then I’d hear him say “Dats why the lads end on the ground in Dublin, day love the heroine! HAHAHAHA!” I’d laugh too, even though I wasn’t sure why. He’d tell me I’m a good lad, stay a way from the drugs stick to the whiskey! A chunky junky I was not. Maybe i have Alex to thank!? My mom would aways get me a cap and it’d always be a Hanna Hat. Later when I was in High School I’d drive my 1986 Caprice Classic up there and Alex was still there, selling posters of Irish Doors and Celtic crosses. Id score a hat and be on my way. It’s funny how people, myself including get hooked into patterns and brands though out life. How many events or states have been through with that same cap on? At the end of they I can say I go with that brand because they’re still hand made in Ireland, but the truth is it reminds me of my mom. She told me the cheapest hat isn’t always the best. She also said don’t get one that says IRELAND on it! You’ll look like an asshole tourist!! Gotcha mom! Thanks.🇮🇪
