Born to brew: My family's Guinness story

I'm Kate Curran, and I've been working in the Guinness Brewery at St. James’s Gate since 2010. My role is all about ensuring every pint of Guinness tastes just as perfect as the last. But my connection to Guinness runs much deeper – I am actually the fifth generation of my family to work here!

My family's history with Guinness dates back to my great-great-grandfather, Thomas Curran, who joined the brewery in 1865. He started as a porter and later became a mechanical fitter. Growing up in Thomas Street, he was very much part of the local community surrounding St. James's Gate. And that’s just the start of my connection to Guinness.

Following in his footsteps, my great-grandfather, James Patrick Curran, worked at Guinness for an incredible 54 years. He began in the lab as a storekeeper and later moved into cooperage, working with barrels. It's amazing to think that I started my career in a similar role, collecting samples for analysis.

My grandfather, also named James but known affectionately as "Shammy" (Nickname of Seamus – the Irish name for James) or "Granddad Buckets," continued the tradition by joining Guinness as a mechanical fitter in 1937. He was well-loved and remembered fondly by his colleagues – who gave him his nickname for carrying his tools around in a bucket.

And then there's my dad, Philip Curran. Who began his journey at Guinness with an apprenticeship as a mechanical fitter before advancing to become an area engineer in the keg plant after earning an engineering degree. His time in the brewery spanned over four decades.

For me, growing up hearing stories about Guinness felt like it was just another member of our family. The warmth and loyalty between the brewery and its employees have always been evident. It’s not just about brewing beer; it's about being part of something bigger – a community that values each person's contribution.

Working at Guinness has allowed me to connect with my family's legacy while also forging my own path within this iconic company. Throughout my time working here, it’s been incredible to see how consumer love has continued to grow – celebrated by millions around the world.

It's truly special to be part of such a rich history and continue contributing to what makes Guinness extraordinary, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for a brand so embedded in my family’s history.