Gin and ‘tonic’ for Limerick parish as locals join together to save their pub

FEARS over the closure of a much-loved County Limerick pub have turned into a very expensive “round” for a number of locals.

A total of 25 men, and one woman, have joined together to invest €300,000 to keep the doors of their village pub open. Most put in €15,000 of their hard-earned money, with some going ‘halves’ on that sum.

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When Ahern’s pub in Kilteely came on the market earlier this year, there were initially fears that it spelled the end for the well-known licensed premises. Limerick has the highest pub closure rate in Ireland with 178 fewer pubs than in 2005.

However, the group put their heads, and wallets,  together to ensure it remained as a public house.

The 26 are drawn from all walks of life - from farmers to lawyers, and from tradesmen to accountants - but not one publican amongst them!

However, this hasn’t stopped them getting the bar ready for their first night trading this Saturday, August 16. The new name of the pub will be revealed on the night.

The group is comprised of people whose families have lived in the locality for generations, together with newcomers to the area. All wish to see the village and the local community thrive and develop to its full potential. Noel O’Dea, one of five directors, said their tagline is “comhphobal ag obair le chéile - a community working together”.

“We have witnessed the loss of two shops, two pubs, two post offices and a creamery in the locality in the recent past and we are well aware that once they are gone, you can’t just bring them back, we are determined to ensure that it won't happen this time,” said Mr O’Dea.

One of the solicitors who acted in the sale is even a Kilteely-Dromkeen native, Brendan Gill, of Maurice Power Solicitors LLP.

Fellow member of the legal fraternity and another one of the group’s directors, barrister Liam Carroll said: “It’s great that we could make it happen. We took the view that every community needs a place to come together. It was great to see so many people willing to back the plan with their own money.”

The group paid tribute to the former owners, the Ahern family, and to Noreen Ahern, who is retiring after 40 years of wonderful service to the local community.

Work is ongoing to develop an operational model to ensure the pub continues to thrive, with the syndicate considering various additional options including providing accommodation, a community shop or a café.

But, first and foremost, the group of 26 look forward to welcoming people from near and far to Kilteely on Saturday. Thanks to them, it isn’t “last orders” for good at the historic Limerick tavern.