Popular Kilkenny pub closes its doors ahead of much-anticipated relocation
The popular 'Hackett's Bar' in Kilkenny City has now closed its doors ahead of a much-anticipated relocation, proprietor Tommy Hackett has confirmed.
"It's with a heavy heart that I've been delaying this post for eight days now," Tommy told followers on social media.
"On the 1st of January 2023 we closed our doors at Hackett's Bar for the last time."
In the statement, Tommy recounts all the good memories and achievements of Hackett's Bar who have 'provided great success to many fractions of our community'.
"Our goal was to introduce new acts to Kilkenny City," the statement continues, "and we were privileged to work with Dan McCabe, SOLA and had great success on several occasions with Sean O'Leary And Harvest - a tribute to Neil Young, with sell out crowds.
"We hosted Johnny Feehan from Horseslips, Steven Travers (The Miami Showband) and George Murphy amongst many other top acts.
"We have been proud sponsors of Kay Brennan from the Rythm and Roots show on Community Radio Kilkenny City as well as Niall Culleton Darts and Myles Price, local MMA fighter.
"We have been able to assist young Anthony Clifford in his recent success on his travels to the USA and becoming U-15 and U-17 world champion (Handball).
"We have also been a financial support to Kilkenny Camogie holiday fund, Dicksboro GAA & Camogie Club and the newly formed St. Canices FC, who have achieved great success locally in the KDL."
Hackett's Bar have also shown great support for the arts and local artists over the years including to Danny Lahart, Eoghan O Driscoll, Mick Ryan, Jean Brett and Davy Holohan who have exhibited or benefited through sales of their work with Hackett's.
"I would like to thank all our customers and the more than in excess of 45 staff who we employed for the great success we have seen at Hackett's Bar," Tommy continues.
"We have never fallen below a 4.5 rating on Trip Advisor and we enjoyed a 5 star rating for 90% of our time over the last 5 years.
"I would like to give a special mention to our first employee Zoe Farrell who has become my lifelong partner who works with me and supports me in all that I do.
"I would like to thank John Breen of The Pumphouse and Arthur Drohan of Ryan's Bar and all at An Poc Fada who have been a great support to me and Hackett's Bar over the last 5 years."
Finally, Tommy emphasises that the journey is not over and that the pub is relocating to a new landmark location at Sean Byrnes, 1 James's Street, standing in the shadows of the iconic St. Mary's Cathedral.
A huge amount of effort has gone into refurbishing the pub over recent months and there is great local excitement ahead of its re-opening.
"We are excited and look forward to welcoming you all in our new venture," Tommy told followers.