Limerick pub that refused to die marks 12 months in business in style
All roads led to The Street Bar in Kilteely for big anniversary party
WHAT could have been a silent, empty building in a Limerick village was instead full of fun and merriment on Saturday night, thanks to 26 locals who came together to save the last pub in the community.
The owners of The Street Bar in Kilteely celebrated the first year anniversary of them opening for business, with a big party. Noel O’Dea, one of the directors, said when they decided to purchase what was Ahern’s pub, “little did any of us realise the journey that would unfold”.
“It's been absolutely surreal, magical, frightening, crazy, amazing, daunting, almost life-changing. From the moment we reopened the doors 12 months ago the flood of support and goodwill from our entire community and beyond has been truly amazing.
“Nobody would have foreseen the level of media attention our story would have garnered, starting right here with the Leader,” said Noel.
Visits from all the national papers, even The Guardian in the UK, RTÉ and Virgin Media helped put Kilteely firmly on the map, he said.
In January, a film crew even pitched up in the village for several weeks to make a short film about their story. Commissioned by Heineken, The Pub That Refused To Die premiered at the Dublin Film Festival, with a bus load of locals arriving in the big smoke to grace the red carpet. The film subsequently won five awards at the Cannes Lions festival.
Noel said a RTÉ Nationwide programme focused on the entire community.
“It captured the resilience of the people perfectly, a real get up and go attitude that has served the community so well for generations. The old grocery shop was renovated and turned into a thriving butchers run by the amazing Tom McNeil and his wonderful staff.
“We are in the process of building a beer garden for people to enjoy. But it's the community's response that has taken us all by surprise, the pub is thriving just as much today as it was on opening day. People value friendship and a place to have a chat where they can be proud of their community, and long may it continue,” said Noel.
Fellow director, Liam Carroll said it’s been a whirlwind 12 months.
The barrister said the pub has gone from strength to strength and “we couldn’t appreciate the support of all our customers more”.
“We’re very lucky to find ourselves as part of such an active community who have wanted the project to succeed from the outset,” said Liam.