Noel Cunningham s Guide to Modern Irish Manners

Society has changed dramatically. We live in an increasingly informal world. We have in many ways become disrespectful of rules and have no time for the old order and taboos. Authority and the grace of age, two important pillars of etiquette, are no longer regarded. 

With his infectious charm and sharp wit Noel Cunningham shares with you his tips on sailing through life’s events, enabling people to be themselves, while solving the thorny issues of which fork to use, who goes through a door first, how to attend an important interview. The correct way of doing those things will become clear.

• Are you confused about how to set a formal dining table?

• Is it acceptable to hold doors open?

• How to address the thorny question of mobile phones and gadgets

Noel’s book is a fun and informative guide, to help us navigate modern-day life with class and good humour.

Table of Contents

Manners Will Bring You Around The World! Page 9

1 So Pleased to Meet You! 11

2 Eating Out and Visiting 24

3 Out and About 52

4 A Child is Born! 84

5 Babies, Children and School Days 96

6 The Modern Debs 107

7 Engagements 115

8 I’m Getting Married! 126

9 For Whom the Bell Tolls 152

10 Career Matters 163

11 Virtual Reality – Mobiles and Social Media 173

12 Modern Phenomena 183

13 Sporting Lives 191

14 A Fun Look at Christmas Etiquette 197

Final Thoughts 202

TV personality and hotelier Noel Cunningham has always had a passion about manners and etiquette. Noel has a long and distinguished career in Hotel Catering and Tourism. He has worked on some of the great ocean-going liners and is well acquainted with the grand hotels of the world. He has always been of the opinion that the well-mannered young person, aware of the social niceties, and well versed in the requirements of proper etiquette, will have the perfect head start in life! He has met film stars and royalty, politicians and primates, and the wonderful Joe Soaps. He suggests we can learn from people in all walks of life as good manners are not just the preserve of the High Born!