In what pub owners have slammed as a “hammer blow”, the price of a pint of beer in Ireland is set to go up again after Guinness parent company Diageo announced a third increase since the start of 2023. In a letter to pub owners revealed after the March 17th St. Patrick’s Day holiday, traditionally a day of heavy drinking in Ireland, Diageo said the price hike, which amounts to 6c per pint, was needed due to rising costs. “In order to offset this, we must pass on some of the additional costs to our customers,” the company said. Prices of Carlsberg, Rockshore and Smithwicks will also be affected…