Willie and Mag call last orders in their Limerick pub with many well-wishers including Ronaldo!

A LABOUR of love is not labour, says Mag (Margaret) Howard, as she and husband Willie retire from the Old Stand Pub in Kilmallock.

It might say The Old Stand outside the bar but it was known as Howard’s to one and all.

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The couple might be “blow-ins” as Mag is a Cavan lady and Willie is from Croom but they quickly became as prominent a part of Kilmallock as the historic building’s location in the town.

Mag and Willie both say there was a lot of sadness when they closed the door for the last time after 38 years but “the time was right”.

They met in Dublin where Willie was a brilliant barman and Mag a superb chef.

Mag says they didn't want to rear their family in Dublin so started looking for a joint venture where Willie could be behind the bar and Mag in the kitchen.

“We came across the Kerryman’s bar as it was known in Kilmallock. It was in very rundown condition and we spent our lives building it up. We were both hard workers - a labour of love is not labour,” said Mag.

They left Dublin for Kilmallock on their 10th wedding anniversary and never looked back. They reared their three children - Maria, William and Roisin - over the pub.

“It was a family-run business and they all did their bit,” said Mag, who adds that Maria (pictured below with her parents) has been Willie’s right-hand woman behind the bar in recent years.

Grandson Luke Earls hasn’t been afraid to roll up his sleeves either.

Mag did all the cooking and looked after the B&B side of the business. She is renowned for her traditional-style home cooking and they did a roaring lunch trade.

Mag also discovered a hidden talent on the pub floor.

Willie said the day he handed Mag the microphone “was the best day for the pub”. She ran competitions and games like Take Your Pick, Blind Dates, Kilmallock Bachelor and even sent one local to the Ballybunion Bachelor Festival.

Many memories of these days have been shared during their final days in Howard’s.

Willie said they had a great final weekend with all their customers. 

“They turned out in strength and gave us a great send-off. On behalf of myself and Mag, I’d like to thank each and every one who supported us for the last 38 years and all the organisations in town - GAA, soccer, camogie, athletic club, and all the committees. My own darts team have been absolutely fantastic to me as well,” said Willie, who has brought many household names in the world of darts to Kilmallock.

One Ronaldo also paid tribute to the retiring couple in a fun AI video as Willie is a big Man Utd fan.

Willie says he and Mag have met wonderful people in Kilmallock and surrounding parishes over the last four decades.

Despite the sadness at the closure they have very fond memories and Mag said “I would do it all again”. The pub has been sold and they both hope the historic building continues to benefit the town long into the future.

Cllr PJ Carey paid tribute to Willie and Mag for their community service and support to the local sports clubs over the last 38 years.

“Mag was very much involved in the community council, festivals, St Patrick's Day parades, Christmas lights and lots more. The pub will be a massive loss to the darts community from miles around that played tournaments there on a Friday night. They ran a fine establishment, a very well-run family pub. It’s the end of an era,” said Cllr Carey, who noted a “very worrying trend” that Limerick has the largest amount of pub closures in Ireland.

Indeed, there were 15 pubs in Kilmallock when Mag and Willie arrived in 1987. Following the closure of Howard's there are now just two full-time public houses in the town. 

Kilmallock Community Council also paid tribute in a post on their Facebook account.

“After 38 memorable years, the beloved pub owned by Willie and Margaret Howard has closed its doors. This iconic establishment, adorned with Guinness signs on its facade, was more than just a pub - it was a community hub. 

“Margaret delighted everyone with her hearty meals, while Willie kept the beer flowing. The pub's dartboard, pool table and jukebox provided endless entertainment and countless memories. As it bids farewell, the legacy of Howard’s Bar warmth and hospitality will live on in the hearts of all who walked through its doors.

“A huge thank you to Willie and Margaret and the entire family for their generous support over the years to Kilmallock Community Council. Whenever we came knocking they were always there to help.

“We wish Willie, Margaret, Maria, William, Roisin and families all the very best in everything they do and we are deeply grateful for everything. Slán agus beannacht.”

Willie and Mag, both aged in their 70s, are wished a long and happy retirement.