THE LADS’ NIGHT out is a special time in the social calendar whenever they actually get organised.
On top of producing serious craic, plenty of these gatherings tick off the following attributes too:
1. The smell of aftershave when pre-drinking in the gaff will be overpowering at first
But will only get better as the night wears on.
The further the collective group of lads get from the application of the aftershave, the better it is for everyone.
2. The pre-drinks will go on longer than expected
Rounding that many people up and out of the place on time is a Herculean feat, and often looks a little like this:
3. A ridiculously pedantic discussion will break out and last for over an hour in the pub
Usually based around a hypothetical that can never be solved.
“What pint would Conor McGregor have at the bar if he was here?”
This is the very basis of the night’s discussion and can get very nuanced.
4. Some gas ticket will buy a round of shots unnecessarily early in the night
Although this usually only happens on a “big one.” Around 9pm a tray will come down and you can tell by the looks on people’s faces who’s looking forward to them.
5. The whole group will try to look decent for the club doorman
You just know you’re going to get a load of questions like “how are you tonight, lads?” and “having a good night?”
They may as well take your unpublished autobiography and be done with it.
6. The first foray on to the dancefloor will be an awkward affair
“It’s not got going yet, let’s save it for later.”
7. An after party back at the gaff is discussed really early in the night
Like, you’ve barely had your first drink and already plans are afoot for the session after.
You don’t know if it’s a dedication to forward planning or absolute madness.
8. One of your group will go on an absolute solo mission and won’t be seen for the rest of the night
Exiting the club like:
The whereabouts and details of which will only become apparent the next morning over a series of interrogatory messages.
9. The group will be split in two – one set will stay inside and the other will be in the smoking area
You are always convinced that the other group is having the bettercraic, but you’re committed now.
10. The taxi ride home is the time to fire out some mortifying messages
Everyone has been there. And you probably won’t get a reply.
The next morning is like:
11. The after party nearly always has less people than you were promised
There was talk of a good “10 or 15″ crowd going to be back there, but you walk in on a scene of two lads blaring out tunes at 3am and you know it’s a letdown.
When you get a good one though, it’s always serious craic.
