Southill shebeen closed after raid

THE Southill shebeen was closed down last night when gardaí raided the premises.

All the drink was confiscated and taken to Roxboro Garda station. It is believed the raid was mounted after a directive from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The shebeen has been operating for the past five months and had been raided a number of times by gardaí. However, on each occasion it restocked and commenced operations within hours.

Limerick City Council had commenced proceedings to have the illegal public house closed down for breach of the planning laws.

The shebeen was opened in a shed at the rear of a house in Lilac Court in Southill by Francie Kelly and his brother Anthony.

The Kellys maintained that they were not selling drink for profit but were entertaining friends with drink paid for by the people who frequented the premises.

The shebeen, known locally as Ma Kelly’s, was laid out like a regular public house and contained pool tables, poker machines, and card tables. There were reports recently that women did dance routines on tables for the enjoyment of the mainly male customers.

Publicans in Limerick have voiced their concerns that the shebeen was hitting trade in the Southill area.

Last night’s raid was well planned and involved gardaí and customs personnel. One witness said a large amount of alcohol was confiscated.

The Kellys said that they purchased the drink served at the Shebeen from Tesco and Dunnes Stores outlets.

Draught beers and stout were bought in kegs from another outlet in the city.

Local residents had complained that late night revelry was a major disturbance to the neighbourhood.

A Garda spokesman said a large quantity of alcohol was confiscated in the operation, which is continuing.