New future for Kerry pub after community step in to save the rural business
Earlier this year amid fears in the South Kerry community that the pub would be close it was decided to raise funds for a local organisation to buy the business and run it.
Now the purchase of the pub has been finalised and it is hoped that Forbairt na Dromoda Teo – the local community, social enterprise organisation in the Iveragh Gaeltacht – will take over the running of the business this week.
The former owners Humphrey Ó Conchuir and Noreen Uí Chonchuir decided to retire but it proved very difficult to get a buyer until the local community stepped in to save their pub and they are now celebrating this success as they become one of the first community pubs in the country.
Through a GoFundMe they raised more almost €110,000 and this combined with a bank loan allowed them to purchase the business which was first built by Kerry footballer manager Jack O'Connor and his brother Michael in 1989.
It has over the past 36 years played a key role in the region and is not just a pub but a social outlet and local shop and significant landmark in the village of Cillian Liath and it is hoped this will continue for future generations as a new chapter unfolds.
"This week new chapter in history of community development in Ireland has begun as Forbairt na Dromoda embarked on a new project that will see the retention of a very important asset - a pub and food store - in their community stay in their community,' said Eimear Ní Mhurchú of Forbairt na Dromoda
"The retention of this asset was essential to this rural area not least because of its social remit where all gather and it has many historical happy memories and hopefully we will play the same role going forward.'
Eimear thanked all those who helped bring this project to fruition from those who supported the GoFundMe but also who offered messages of support especially from areas who lost their rural pub and missed it deeply. The support from all corners of the country and they are very grateful. She also thanked Humphrey Ó Conchuir and Noreen Uí Chonchuir for their support in helping purchase the bar.
Forbairt na Dromoda Teo has already played a key role in assisting local development with projects including a hostel for walkers, three enterprise units (one now home to a digital remote working unit), a fantastic childcare facility with a Naíonra lán gaelach, and six houses and associated services for the elderly, a cancer car project and now their own pub and shop.
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