Daithi: yes that was me!
Wasn't it a great session?

And, having lived in Cork for two years now, I have to agree that of course you don't need Irish to get by in Ireland.
However, I've also found that people usually like it if you can speak a couple a phrases (mind you, I'm not talking about insisting on using Irish when addressing shopkeepers, which is nearly pedantic, but using it in a social context).

Another example: I am from the Netherlands, where the national language, Dutch, is very much alive. It is possible, however, to get by with English or German as well, especially in touristy places. And most tourists don't bother with Dutch at all. That doesn't matter, as most Dutch people will gladly speak English to you. Nevertheless, I really appreciate it when a foreigner tries his/her hand on Dutch! Even a couple of phrases would do the trick, you're just showing that you take an interest. So,

Tot ziens!
Letty