Time gentlemen please as last pub in Limerick village is sold

WHEN SEAMUS Culhane called “last orders please” in Moore’s pub in Carrigkerry, he meant it as he called time on his years as a publican.

The bar has been in the family for four generations but the good news for locals is that the only pub in the village will continue on as a watering hole.

Seamus has been collecting glasses since he was tall enough to reach the tables but has been the proprietor since 2004. He has sold it to a local businessman Eugene Ahern who he wishes the very best for the future.

Seamus’ grandmother Hannie Moore married into the pub who ran it for many years followed by his mum Joan and then it was Seamus’ turn. He said it was emotional when he waved goodbye to his customers on his last night and turned the key for the final time.

“You'd have to be lonesome when you think that’s it. Even now it’s hard to believe it’s gone forever but we're looking forward to having more free time together as a family,” said Seamus, who is married to Louise and they have three children -  Declan, Liam, Shauna.

“I got the opportunity to sell but it was very important to me that it continues on as a bar. I could have sold it before as a site, no problem, but I wouldn't do that. When you're the last bar in the village you have to keep it going,” said Seamus, who adds that his sister Marie has also been instrumental in the success of Moore’s as she has been behind the counter as long as himself.

The decline in rural pubs has been well documented. Indeed, there were three pubs in Carrigkerry when Seamus took Moore’s over in 2004 but within a couple of years he was the only show in town.

He stresses the importance of a local pub as a place for people to congregate, chat, play a game of cards or watch the TV together. They might only drink three or four pints in the course of a day but it gets them out of the house.

“It’s a bit of company,” said Seamus, who will be on the other side of the counter when he visits Moore’s now but he won’t keep it in business as he’s not a big drinker.

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Seamus was juggling working as an electrician with running the pub and the antisocial hours meant he was liable to burnout if he kept it up for many more years. 

“You have to have a bit of a life for yourself too. I was working three or four days a week and then every weekend - Friday, Saturday, Sunday. It's hard to get a break and in a rural place, you know you have to be there as much as possible yourself.

“My wife even said about looking forward to Christmas because Christmas is a tough time in the bar - you're there Christmas Eve, St Stephen’s Day etc,” said Seamus.  He signed off with a big party for his customers who he thanked for their trade and support over the last 21 years.

Photographer Bridie Murphy perfectly captured Seamus serving one of his last pints to Johnny Mullane alongside Bosco McMahon. Cheers to the Culhane and Moore families for their contribution to Carrigkerry.