Frank Cullimore at Anna Liffey's Irish Pub, New Haven

The Irish pubs are gearing up for St. Patrick's Day, and while it's a day of celebration, there Cullimore reminds us, there are rules.

Q: Are there different rules or words of wisdom for those partying on St. Patrick's Day?

A: "Keep calm you fecking Eejit." It's an Irish saying that means keep calm, don't act like crazy. Also if you're going to be with us for the parade, don't have any open containers on the street. The celebration starts the night before the parade. We have 11 bartenders and 17 security people on.

Q: Do you make Irish coffees? How is one made?

A: We use a coffee glass and heat it with boiling water, then pour it out. We then add Irish whiskey, which will cool the glass, and then we pour our coffee in. Then we use a spoon to put in the housemade whip cream.

Q: There are a lot of assumptions about the Irish. Any of them true?

A: None of them are true. We're no luckier than any other culture. Irish people, yes, love to party and sing like any other country. We are very happy and friendly people. St. Patrick really did rid our country from snakes. The Guinness does taste better in Ireland, because it is so fresh. It travels a long way to get here.

Q: Are you offended when someone orders an Irish car bomb?

A: When I first heard the term I was amused. This drink does not exist in Ireland. When someone orders one here I ask them for their car keys.

Q: How important are sports and music in an Irish pub?

A: You've got to have live, local, music if you have a bar: It's that simple. We have bands every Saturday night and DJs on Friday night. We have Irish rugby, European championships and soccer on the telly. Last year, we got voted best sports bar in the New Haven Advocate readers poll.

Anna Liffey's is at 17 Whitney Ave., New Haven. Information: 203-773-1776 and