Now sober for almost five years, Irish Times journalist Brian O'Connell sees himself out of synch with much of Irish society and finds Ireland an uncomfortable place in which to live. He explores both his and Ireland's fondness for the jar, by hanging out with daytime drinkers in a rural bar, getting the thoughts of boozy teenagers and hearing from those at the frontline of Ireland's drink culture.

Brian O'Connell's work as a journalist appears in the Irish Times and several international publications. In 2007, he won the John Healy National Print Award. More recently, he reported from India on child trafficking, the Democratic Republic of Congo on gender violence, and Mozambique on the effects of climate change. Brian is a regular contributor to Irish radio and in 2009, co-presented a traditional music series on RTÉ1 television, entitled The Reel Deal.