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9 things that used to be free... but aren't now

Little bags of pretzels on airplanes, plastic bags, ‘the channels’… we miss the days of freebies.

YOU MAY BELIEVE there is no such thing as a free lunch, unless – allegedly – you are this guy.

There was a time in this country, however, where there were a few freebies you could rely on. Listen up, children, while we tell you about the land of free Dunnes Stores bags and free… air.

Plastic shopping bags
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  • Plastic shopping bags

    We know that the plastic bag tax has led to fewer of them being used and discarded. But we admit that we miss making whimsical fancy dress from our excess bags like this lady. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
  • Airline snacks

    Ah the glamour of old-school flying. You paid a fortune for your plane ticket - but they made up for it* in free bags of pretzels and a free drink. *sort of. (Lars Plougmann/Flickr)
  • 'The Channels'

    Terrestrial TV channels - two-channel land until TV3 and TG4 came on the scene - were always available here if you had your TV, your aerial and your TV licence. To keep them after next month, you'll have to either be paying for a satellite/cable connection or stump up for a Saorview box/TV. (PA/Topham Picturepoint/Press Association Images)
  • Directory enquiries

    Okay, this is actually an early telephone exchange but we *like* to think that these smiling ladies were the ones always at your service with numbers. And you didn't have to pay a fee to get to them. They didn't text you the number though...(Image: Sport & General/S&G Barratts/EMPICS Archive)
  • Air in your tyres

    Several in TheJournal.ie HQ have noted that some garages are now using coin-operated inflation devices. So much for putting air in your tyres for free. Is nothing sacred, etc.? (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)
  • Diluted orange drinks...

    ...Or a drop of Ribena in your pint of water. How long has it been since those were free in a pub for the designated driver/teetotaller in your life? If you know of a pub that still does offer them for free, tell us in the comments. (flikr/flickr)
  • Public toilets

    To be fair, the older ones were not always the Mae West, but it's rare to find a public toilet that doesn't require an entrance fee/coin in the slot these days. (Andrew Napier/Flickr)
  • Rubbish collection

    It could be argued that income tax always paid for rubbish collection and so it was never 'free' but many areas that never found they had to pay a specific rate now find themselves hit with bills. Again, could be argued as a good thing in the 'race against waste'... (bixentro/Flickr)
  • We're saying nothing....

    Image: Nick Ansell/PA Wire.

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    Mute Eddie Byrne
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    Aug 31st 2016, 8:39 PM

    Pat Short a truly gifted actor and comedian

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    Mute David Dickenson
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    Aug 31st 2016, 8:46 PM

    He’s obnoxious with his constant forced-laugh at his own “jokes”.

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    Mute Dave O'Shaughnessy
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    Aug 31st 2016, 9:21 PM

    Tell ya what’s obnoxious, amadáns with fake-profiles spouting off like yourself.

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    Mute David Dickenson
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    Aug 31st 2016, 9:27 PM

    Not fake. Like many other people commenting here I have had an account here banned so I am here on a new one.
    Try not to mention travellers, Dinny O’Brien or Hat Pickey here or you may have to do the same.

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    Mute jane
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    Aug 31st 2016, 10:01 PM

    He was fantastic in garage.

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    Mute sparky
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    Aug 31st 2016, 10:12 PM

    Eddie he didn’t write the script, a good actor non the less but truly gifted would be pushing it.

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    Mute Paudi Onail
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    Aug 31st 2016, 11:14 PM

    ahh Pat Snort or sorry I meant Short :/ though it feels like he’s on something I reckon.

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    Mute Anthony Byrne
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    Sep 1st 2016, 7:58 AM

    If you’re not prepared to stand over what you say with your own identity, then you can not be taken seriously. You are a troll on this site Dickson. Nothing more, nothing less.

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    Mute sparky
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    Aug 31st 2016, 8:39 PM

    From the previews I’ve seen looks pretty good..hopefully it’s a sign of the times and some real national competition for our beloved “RTE “

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    Mute NG
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    Aug 31st 2016, 8:38 PM

    The irony is that those who have emigrated are precluded from watching it.

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    Mute Joe Conlon
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    Aug 31st 2016, 8:43 PM

    Would they able to use the RTE player abroad?

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    Mute David Dickenson
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    Aug 31st 2016, 8:43 PM

    TV3, there will be plenty of repeats of it as with every show they have.
    Don’t think our emigrants will be too bothered anyway.

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    Mute Joe Conlon
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    Aug 31st 2016, 8:44 PM

    *not that the RTE player shows TV3 programming, my bad!

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    Mute Pants Machine
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    Aug 31st 2016, 9:00 PM

    Of course emigrants will be bothered David. Why wouldn’t they?

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    Mute David Dickenson
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    Aug 31st 2016, 9:21 PM

    Pants, believe me, when you are away you do not pine for Irish television. There is so much more to see and do in your new host country. Of this I know 100% for sure.

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    Mute Pants Machine
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    Aug 31st 2016, 9:49 PM

    100% for sure? I’ve been living in London for almost 11 years and I’m looking forward to watching this. I saw Pat perform in the West End a couple of years ago and he was great! Granted there’s a lot of sh|te on Irish TV, but this does sound good. Each to their own I suppose …

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    Mute TellingItAsItIs
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    Aug 31st 2016, 11:19 PM

    I’ve lived abroad and loved seeing stuff on tv from back home

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    Mute Seamie O cadhain
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    Sep 1st 2016, 7:36 AM

    Yes we can use rte player I’m in Boston

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    Mute Seamie O cadhain
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    Sep 1st 2016, 7:38 AM

    Shortt fellow Tipp man com’on the premier on sunday

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    Mute Collitov
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    Sep 1st 2016, 12:47 AM

    Pat Short is a good and sometimes great actor and comedian who tends to laugh at his own punchlines, but we all have our faults. That’s right!!!

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    Mute Brian Colman
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    Sep 1st 2016, 1:14 AM

    Even did people from Listowel start saying mom ?

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