The times, they are a changin'. So it would seem as sales of Guinness fall off in Ireland and the future of some of its operations here seem uncertain despite protestations from parent Diageo that Guinness remains one of its core brands following the restructuring of its business.

The truth is that the value of the brand is declining and not only in Ireland. Already, the company's review of operations has cost 290 jobs at packaging plants and breweries in Dundalk. More bad news seems only a matter of time away.

While Dublin is not yet under real threat of closure, other Guinness operations may be and St James's Gate is likely to face further rationalisation as the once omnipotent brewer confronts the reality of fighting to retain its share in a more diverse market and one in which traditional drinking habits can no longer be relied on to provide future profit.

dcoyle@irish-times.ie