Irish’s Bar, Kilmacow.
Until their passing in 2008, the late Ned and Lizzie Irish ran the popular Irish’s Bar in Ballykeoghan, Kilmacow on the R448, what is now the old main road between Waterford and Dublin.
They also ran a small grocery shop and a petrol filling station, and a newsagents that sold many copies of The Munster Express every week.
But times have changed and by the time their youngest daughter Lisa and her husband Donnacha took over, Irish’s Bar had moved with the times, embracing a modern lounge, regularly filled by music and song.
Donnacha Doyle has maintained his family business in undertaking, which he also operates from Ballykeoghan.
Down through the years, the business has passed through several hands. Just 100 yards from the pub, the original Kilmacow Railway Station was established (and operated between 1850 and the 1950s) and so to tap into the business that this new facility generated, a public house was established by John and Anastasia Ryan of Ballykillaboy.
It was subsequently transferred to the McEvoy family and in the mid-1950s was run by Peg Daly. Ned Irish of Ballinlammy, Glenmore and his wife Elizabeth (Lizzie) O’Neill of Fahee, Kilmacow, came here after their marriage and bought the pub at an auction; the premises then also came with a piggery and shop attached. They continued in business until both of them passed to their eternal rewards in 2008.
The pub is located in a pivotal local area. Years ago we heard of hundreds of people coming from trains from Kilkenny and Waterford to play hurling games in Higgins’ Fields in Skeard, which was referenced in Senan Cooke’s much acclaimed book detailing the history of the GAA in Kilmacow. These games attracted thousands to lands known as ‘Tory Grange’ and the public house now known for 60 years as Irish’s Bar was the prime place to mull over the games.
That remains to case to this day, as the plethora of photographs adorning the pub’s interior readily testify to. Ned and Lizzie were great supporters and this has been maintained by the present generation, with the pub in the capable hands of Donnacha and Lisa.
All the young Irish’s – Eamon, Brigid, Phil, Noeleen and Lisa helped out in the pub in both their youth and into adulthood. Eamon now has his own public house in Knocktopher while brother Sean passed away some years ago.
Now a new generation is in place. Lisa and her husband Donnacha and their five young boys: Ted, Ben, Jack, Joe and Shay reside in part of a building that goes back to the 19th Century.
“Growing up here, we saw a lot of characters coming in through our doors; there’s still a few characters coming in to this day!” she said. “And it’s a place full of good memories and great stories.”
The evolution in the public house business has certainly accelerated in the past decade and a half, but there’s been notable changes over the past half century when one assesses the wider social picture. Until the 1960s, pubs were virtually the sole preserve of men, but that is no longer the case. A refurbished pub regularly hosts music sessions, parties, special functions and socials, with cards, pool and darts also part of the Irish’s staple.
As is the case across all public houses in rural Ireland, things have changed considerable because of the drink driving laws, which has undoubtedly led to less socialising, but things move on. And as part of that change, Irish’s provides a courtesy car service to ensure a safe journey home for customers.
This cosy establishment continues to serve drinks and spirits to its loyal customers and its management is very much looking forward to providing further hospitality in the years ahead. So here’s to continued success for Lisa and Donnacha.
