The Limerick village pub that refused to die inspires further community development

A SYNDICATE of locals who purchased the last pub and shop in a village are raising the “steaks” by adding a butcher’s and perhaps even a trip to Hollywood!
When Ahern’s pub in Kilteely came on the market in 2025, there were initial fears that it spelled the end for the well-known licensed premises.
However, a group of 25 men, and one woman, joined together last August to invest €300,000 to keep the doors open and renamed it The Street Bar.
After the story appeared in the Leader it was picked up on in Dublin and appeared in practically every national newspaper with a number of front pages. RTE and Virgin Media reporters and cameramen followed suit.

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It even made headlines across the water as The Guardian’s Ireland correspondent Rory Carroll and photographer Johnny Savage took the well trodden media path to Kilteely.
Nationwide aired a show on the pub in January and Heineken have commissioned a short film entitled The Pub That Refused To Die. It will premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival later this month.
When they weren’t shooting the film, the syndicate turned their attention to the shop area and are delighted to welcome Tom McNeill as their resident butcher. After extensive renovations and no amount of hard work, Tom's Butchers officially opened on January 22.
Noel O’Dea, one of five directors and part of the film cast, said there was an amazing turnout from locals and from Tom's loyal customers who travelled from all corners.
Having formerly had a butchers in Pallasgrean and more recently in Castletroy, Tom is delighted with the move to Kilteely.
Noel said: “The quality and range of his produce is second to none. The people of the community and surrounding areas are delighted Tom has moved to the area. Tom will also stock the basic grocery essentials,” said Noel.
Tom said: “People can pop down for a pint in the pub, pick up some meat for their dinner and some groceries and keep their business local.”
The syndicate has other ideas in mind which will help revitalise the village and surrounding areas.