A BAR in Ireland has been toasting the success of Newport County AFC’s continued success in the FA Cup and the goals of striker Padraig Amond in particular.

Tully’s Bar, in Amond’s home town of Carlow, has been offering free drinks to anyone in the bar when, “not if”, he scores in the FA Cup.

South Wales Argus:

So far, the striker has found the net in every round of the tournament meaning the patrons of Tully’s Bar have been well looked after.

Ed Cahill, who manages the family bar, said: “On the night of the Middlesbrough replay we gave away about 50 free drinks.

South Wales Argus:

Ed Cahill, manager of Tully's Bar, Carlow

“Over the course of the last two FA Cup campaigns we’ve given away hundreds.

“Padraig has a habit of scoring and we offer this promotion every time Newport play in the FA Cup.”

Mr Cahill explained that Newport County AFC now had a following in the town due to Amond’s exploits, and that some fans had even made the trip across the Irish Sea to Rodney Parade for the match on Tuesday night.

South Wales Argus:

Padraig Amond started his career in 1999, signing for Shamrock Rovers at the age of 10, going on to make 441 appearances and scoring 141 goals for teams including Accrington Stanley and Morecambe. He also represented the Republic of Ireland four times at U21 level.

Amond signed for current club Newport County AFC in 2017.

“Having a local lad playing against some of the biggest teams around is a great feeling,” Mr Cahill said.

“It’s great for the small county of Carlow.

“We love to see one of our own working hard and succeeding.”

Tully’s Bar regulars will have to wait and see whether the free pints will keep flowing as Newport County’s next opposition in the cup are Premier League champions Manchester City.

South Wales Argus:

The sides have only met three times in the past, the most recent being in 1962, with City emerging victorious on all three occasions.

The clash on Saturday, February 16 will be the first time the sides have faced off against each other in almost 60 years.

However, Mr Cahill thinks that given what the team have already shown, they are more than capable of causing yet another upset.

“The County team will have no fear against City,” he said.

“They have shown they can take on the bigger teams and Saturday week will be no different.”