Southill pub closes as regulars defect to Ma Kelly’s shebeen

SOUTHILL’S local pub, where trade has been badly hit by a nearby shebeen, is selling up.

The Galvone Arms has seen many regulars move to the shebeen known as Ma Kelly’s, where Francis Kelly claims to give out drink at cost price.

The shebeen, opened by Francis and his brother Anthony, is located in a shed at the rear of the family home.

Brendan Kenny, chief executive of the Southside Regeneration Agency, confirmed yesterday that they are in advanced negotiations for the purchase of the Galvone Arms and a price has been agreed but there are a number of outstanding legal issues to be resolved.

“The Galvone Arms is in a very strategic site at the entrance to O’Malley Park. We would envisage redeveloping that site. We will hold on to the licence to see if there is scope to develop a pub in the broader redevelopment of the entire area. It is a key site for the redevelopment of the area and that is why we are anxious to acquire it. I don’t think you could relocate a pub in the middle of a new housing estate but there could be scope to site it as part of the overall plan in conjunction with shopping areas,” Mr Kenny said.

Two master plans for Southill and Moyross are currently being finalised by planning consultants. Mr Kenny said the plans will enable the agency to go to government departments, and the city council, with rezoning plans.

Meanwhile, gardaí at Roxboro Road, who have raided the shebeen on four occasions, are expect to initiate court proceedings shortly to shut it down. After previous raids, the shebeen was restocked.

Limerick council is also reporting taking action for breach of planning regulations over change of use of a storage shed into a recreational area.

The Limerick branch of the Vintners Federation of Ireland has complained that the shebeen is hitting licensed publicans. The Kellys claim they buy drink with money given to them by friends who they entertain in their premises as a social amenity.

The shebeen is known locally as Mother Kelly’s, Ma Kelly’s and Our Mothers’.