An Irishman walks into a bar and orders three glasses of Guinness, drinking them one at a time.

Noticing this odd ritual, the bartender explains that the fine Irish beer goes flat when sitting in the open too long and informs the man his beer would be much fresher if he ordered one glass at a time.

The Irishman explains he began this custom with his two brothers, who have moved to America and Australia, respectively. This is their way of remembering all the times they spent drinking together. "I drink one for myself, one for my brother Sean, and the other for my brother Brian."

The man becomes a regular at the pub and well-known for always ordering three beers at once. One day he walks in and orders only two beers.

Assuming the worst, a hush falls among other patrons.

When the Irishman returns from the bathroom to order his second round, the bartender quietly offers his condolences.

The man looks confused for a moment, and then happily explains, "No, Saint's alive! Everyone's fine. I gave up beer for lent."