How ‘r’ tings???  

Here in Killarney the most common phrase you will hear is How ‘r’ tings??  It is an expression of enquiry, concern and love and also as a salutation. It can be shortened to the more comfortable ‘Tings’?! if you are on close terms with your receiver.

To hear this greeting was somewhat of a culture shock to me, a lad from Wexford. In my original home place the phrase ‘How’s she cuttin’, was the accepted turn of phrase and it made perfect sense to me.

In Northern Ireland it is ‘What about ye?’, and in Australia it is G’Day.

 In every part of the globe there is a local, often humorous expression that puts a little smile on our face. The common thread in them all is the feeling of warmth, and the feeling of welcome. So the next time you visit Killarney, and you are walking along and a total stranger says ‘ How ‘r’ tings’ just smile and say ‘ My tings are fine’ Don’t worry , they will know exactly what you mean.

Derek Carroll.

 General Manager.