Richard Byrne, an Irish bare-knuckle boxer was exiled to Australia after being found guilty of involvement in the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion. Soon after arriving in Australia he and three mates tried to seize a ship to sail home. After receiving 500 lashes, the same ship transported them to Norfolk Island where he was involved with another planned uprising. After two of his mates were hanged and another flogging, he went on the straight and narrow, earning his keep as a stonemason in Sydney. The Boxer became the proud owner of one of Sydney’s original pubs, ‘The Ship & Mermaid’ and evolved into a respectable citizen. For 200 years his descendants called The Rocks home, even today some still make their living as publicans.
Irish-Style Red Ale
Rocks Brewing Company
Alexandria, Sydney, Australia