More than Boxing Day at the Irish Rover: Nollaig na mBan (Women’s Christmas) is coming on January 6.

On December 26, the Irish Rover celebrates Boxing Day.

It's been a few years for us, and we'll probably be in attendance. If you're unfamiliar with my advocacy of all things Irish Rover, then be educated. It's a little piece of Irish territory appended to River City, almost entirely eliminating the shtick expected of the institution of "Irish pub in America" in favor of honesty.

I love the Irish Rover, even as I lament the fact that none of downtown New Albany's new wave of restaurants have honored the occasion of Boxing Day -- even my own. I advocated such at Bank Street Brewhouse during the original kitchen's run, but never found acceptance for the notion.

Black pudding and Guinness at 10:00 a.m.? Sign me up. Meanwhile, the Irish Rover is pioneering yet another wonderful idea, described here.

Nollaig na mBan (Women’s Christmas) – January 6th

Whew…You made Christmas happen for friends and family, and now it’s time for your own celebration! The Irish Rover revives a long-standing tradition of Nollaig nban — or Women’s Christmas — with a party just for you. Live Irish music by female musicians, drink specials, and a special beer made by female brewer Leah Dienes of Apocalypse Brewery!

Brewers of Louisville: Leah Dienes, as profiled by LEO's Sara Havens.

Unfortunately, I didn't think to post this link until after Apocalypse Brew Works had its "Drink Beer 'Til the End" party on the 21st. No matter; I was able to drop by Apocalypse on Friday afternoon, enjoy a quick beer, and say hello to Leah and the gang.

2012 People Issue: The Brewmaster — Leah Dienes, by Sara Havens (LEO Weekly)

Most of us sit chained to our desks from 8-5 dreaming of a better job, a thinner body and a fatter wallet. Very few of us are actually able to break those chains to pursue what it is we really want to do. Leah Dienes loved to brew beer and knew she was good at it. She won competition after competition during her 15 years as a home brewer and was tired of shilling out her swill for free to thirsty friends. So last Derby, she opened her own bar/brewhouse, Apocalypse Brew Works, with some fellow home brewers. The dozen or so taps have been flowing ever since.