Top Limerick gardai go from booking people to a booked-out gastropub
Retired chief superintendent and deputy commissioner with strong Limerick links open new venture in Laois
TWO former senior gardai in Limerick city and county have gone from representing the State at special courts to offering specials of the day.
Husband and wife team John Scanlan and Anne Marie McMahon are the new owners of O’Connell’s in Cullohill – a landmark Laois pub which they have reopened as a gastropub and guesthouse.
Mr Scanlan, a native of Limerick, headed up some of the city’s most high-profile investigations during his time in Roxboro and Henry Street garda stations. He was promoted through the ranks to the role of chief superintendent.
Mr Scanlan retired in 2023 as chief superintendent of the Laois-Offaly-Kildare Garda Division after 41 years in the force.
Ms McMahon spent a significant portion of her career working in the Limerick Garda Division before being appointed as deputy commissioner. The Clare woman served at various ranks at Henry Street, Roxboro, Newcastle West and Bruff garda stations.
Ms McMahon also oversaw a number of high-profile investigations in Limerick. She retired in 2024 after 38 years in uniform.
With support from their children Jack and Sheila, they oversaw a loving restoration of O’Connell’s into a modern hospitality venue while retaining its character.
RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey was among the guests for the recent official cutting of the ribbon ceremony following its extensive renovation.
The destination business now includes four ensuite boutique guest rooms, attracting guests from across Europe via Airbnb.
It was the childhood home of famous Irish chefs Darina Allen and Rory O’Connell. Run by the O’Connell family since 1917, the pub once sold groceries and petrol and even served as the post office and grain depot. It was here that Ballymaloe Cookery School’s co-founders began their cooking journey and learned their work ethic from their widowed mother, Elizabeth, with the family still regularly back for visits.
The pub shut at the outset of the Covid pandemic. It was subsequently sold by William and David O’Connell to the husband and wife team who have settled in south Laois.
Mr Scanlan said: “It’s amazing. People have been very good to us. I am in awe of what has been achieved. We’re not exactly on Portlaoise Main Street; there’s just a post office, a garage and an agri store here in Cullohill, we’re swimming against the tide.”
Ms McMahon thanked everyone for their support since she and her husband started on this journey.
"Now, after all the hard work has been done and we are completely up and running, we are delighted to officially open O’Connell’s Bar and Kitchen and proud to offer the rich hospitality and food that it is renowned for,” she said.