Iconic Limerick nightclub was last open before Covid-19

“IT’S woven into Limerick history. I am so glad to have it back!”

The words of Castletroy woman Ailish McDermott, who was left overjoyed to be back at Costello’s which is back open in Dominic Street for the first time in more than six-and-a-half years.

Flan Costello himself was back at the door, hot drink and biscuit in hand to welcome customers.

But there is one key difference – there is no €5 entry fee, with punters instead enjoying a shake-of-the-hand, or in some cases a hug from the nightclub owner himself.

All the old stapes are back – beer pong was taking place, while the chicken cage, reserved for smokers, was being used – although not everyone outside was lighting up!

The red carpet is back – although far less sticky than what regular club-goers would have been used to.

"People seem to be very happy. I hope they are enjoying themselves,” a contented Flan said. "A lot of our regulars are back”.

As soon as he heard Costello’s was back open at Dominic Street in the city centre for the first time since the onset of Covid-19, Cathal Curran rushed in from Ferrybridge.

"It's great we have it back in the parish,” he smiled.

“This is elite – it’s back to 2019 all of a sudden,” was how city man Peter Fitzgibbon saw things.

Sadhbh Pearse, also from the city, added: “The second I came in, it felt like we were home. It's just the feeling that you're sat down at home with everyone. Even the smell is still the same. The place has been cleaned from top to bottom, but it smells the same!”