Bonanza week helps businesses to stay afloat

It’s the bonanza week that helps pay the rates and keeps bank managers at bay for businesses in Listowel.

And despite the recession, locals and visitors are still spending scarce cash during the town’s seven-day race meeting.

There are now fewer than 20 public houses in a North Kerry town that once boasted maybe a dozen or so more. Without revenue generated during race week, a few licensees would be put out of business, according to publican Billy Keane.