Do they mean they won't deliver to the Republic in general, or just the southern counties? Maybe they will if you are a member like HC? <!-- s:? --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_confused.gif" alt="" title="Confused" /><!-- s:? -->
It probably depends who you're talking to. Maybe the person you spoke to wasn't aware that they already deliver over here. If you tell them you know someone who is already getting it maybe that will make a difference.
That'd be a mixed blessing. It's nice when a box of new and interesting beer arrives, but often half of it is crap, or at least not to my taste. The strike rate is similar to any British pub with respect to cask ale. Some is good but most is weak.
I got some O Hanlon's Port stout in a delivery last year. It was an attempt at a recreation of an old Irish drink of port and stout mixed, I think. It wasn't anything special and a little astringent.