Publicans serve their last round after 46 years serving Limerick village

FROM decades of laughter bouncing off the walls and the roars and cheers from the crowd during Munster’s Heineken Cup glory days, the Corner House pub in Pallaskenry has been through a lot.

This week marks the end of an era for the bar as beloved publicans and owners, Eddie and Mary Bourke enter retirement after 46 years.

“Oh God, I loved it! I loved every hour of it,” Eddie said.

Born to farmers in Tipperary in 1953, Eddie bought the pub in 1976 when he was 23.

“There are years of memories within the walls of the pub. From music to matches to retirement parties. God almighty, you could write a book about the memories!” Eddie said.

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“It was an era before all the Facebook and God knows all the modern technology. You had much funnier people with such great wit.

“When the lads went on the session, no one knew where they were. Life was free,” Eddie reminisced.

Soon after Eddie bought the Corner House pub, he married local girl, Mary in 1980.

“We’re still together, thank God! We have grandchildren, we'll have more time to see them now before we get too old,” the now 69-year-old said.

Those who will miss Eddie in the Corner House will fortunately still be able to catch a glimpse of him playing cards on a Monday night.

“I love the aul’ game of cards. We play 110 if you’ve ever heard of it!” Eddie laughed.

“I’d like to thank the 46 years of customers for all the glorious days. We needn’t mention the three or four I’ve barred because they’ve been barred in every village!”