Documentary by Oscar-nominated director on saved Limerick pub premieres at Dublin Film Festival

A BUS set-off from Kilteely on Saturday morning but it wasn’t to a GAA match, the occupants were heading to the Dublin International Film Festival.

A documentary entitled The Pub That Refused To Die premiered in the Light House Cinema. It tells the remarkable true story of 26 locals who banded together to save their local pub

Directed by award-winning Irish filmmaker Gar O’Rourke - whose film Sanatorium was selected as Ireland’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 2026 Academy Awards, The Pub That Refused To Die, chronicles how 26 residents of Kilteely came together to save the heart of their community. 

Last year, the village was facing the closure of its only surviving pub, Ahern’s, after already seeing its shops, post office and other pubs shuttered. When long-time publican Noreen Ahern, nearing retirement and working close to 90 hours a week, could no longer keep the doors open, the village stood to lose its final social hub.

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Rather than let that happen, 26 locals from all walks of life - including a barrister, dairy farmer, carpenter and gardener - took matters into their own hands. With no hospitality experience, they rallied together to buy, reopen and relaunch the newly-named The Street Bar last summer.

When  local Heineken sales and service rep Shane Boland learned of their efforts, the brewer stepped in to support them.  To shine a light on the story, the international brewer enlisted the help of Gar O’Rourke to create The Pub That Refused To Die to “showcase the determination, resilience and collective spirit that transformed a looming closure into a symbol of community pride”.

Gardener Noel O’Dea, who  never pulled a pint before spearheading the rescue of The Street Bar, said the reopening was something really special.

 “The support has been unbelievable, and months later the pub is still busy. That’s the real proof - people didn’t come out of curiosity, they came because they needed a place to feel connected. 

“It wasn’t easy getting there, but the community, and industry support including valuable training from Heineken, showed us The Street Bar is bigger than a building, it’s community,” said Noel, who advises others in a similar position not to leave your local pub’s future in someone else’s hands. 

“Take control of it. Build a strong team, be selective about who you bring in, and surround yourself with people who have the drive to see it through. It can feel daunting but The Street Bar is proof that it’s possible,” said Noel.

 The man behind the camera, Gar O’Rourke said: “When I first heard the story of the Kilteely locals coming together to save their pub, I knew it would be a special film to make. 

“It’s a true underdog story, rooted in community, resilience and quiet determination.”

Spending weeks on the ground with the people of Kilteely, the real reward became the process itself, he said.  “Working directly with a community that met us with warmth, generosity and great humour. That spirit runs through the film, and it’s what ultimately makes this story so powerful,” said Gar.

When the bus arrived back to Kilteely on Saturday night they had the perfect bar to celebrate!

The documentary is available to watch on YouTube