Bennett’s Bar in Mountrath celebrates 50 years in business on the 17th of December 2023.
Peter and Vera Bennett bought the iconic Fountain House public house in 1973 from the then proprietor John O'Reilly.
"We opened on the 17th of December in 1973. A pint was only 17p; you could buy three pints for 51p, or if you had three lads drinking together 50p,” Vera Bennett said.
The Bennetts would go on to raise six children over the pub; Peter, Marguerite, Lisa, Karol, Joanne and Julie.
“Peter, my husband always joked ‘didn’t our children turn out well for children raised on the side of the main Limerick to Dublin Road,” Vera said adding "our children grew up working behind the bar and my daughter Joanne now runs the pub."
Mountrath like most rural towns has witnessed huge changes.
"When we opened first, there were 20 or so pubs and every pub had its own crowd. Now there are only four pubs open in Mountrath. We wouldn’t have survived the last 50 years without our loyal customers. We will always be grateful.
The Fountain House sign, designed by Mick Guider, remains over the door still. Vera recalls the day it was done.
"Mick said ‘you be able to see it in Castletown Vera when I’m done.’ I wouldn’t change it for the world," she said.
Vera can still remember the first pints served.
"Our first two customers were Eamonn Phelan and Shamie Ryan. A lot of the old characters have since passed away like Toby, Scooby, Ducksie, Ritchie and Biffo, but not a day goes by that they aren’t mentioned. They live on in all the stories and tales," she said.
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