Recession has last laugh in Killinaskully

One of the best-known rural pubs in the country, made famous in a popular TV comedy series, has called time as a result of the recession.

An Bonnán Buí, in the North Tipperary village of Ballinahinch, which became known to millions of television viewers of Pat Shortt’s Killinaskully comedy series as ‘Jacksie’s’ pub, closed at the weekend after the recession eroded its customer base.

Hundreds of people crammed every corner of the cosy pub to enjoy a last round before the blinds were drawn and the key turned for the last time.

Martina Moloney, who ran the pub on a lease arrangement for the past six years, had to supplement the regular staff to cater for the huge turnout for the last round of drinks.

In the past six years in the wake of its TV, the venue catered for hundreds of celebrations, but such events have dried up in the last 18 months.

“There were some very successful years, but the business has dropped off over the past 18 months or so — people just haven’t got the money, but the locals have been very loyal customers,” said Martina.

In recent months, opening had been reduced to part-time hours, and the property has now been put on the market.

Ballinahinch was the setting for Pat Shortt’s Killinaskully series, which filmed there for six years and attracted viewing audiences of up to 800,000 per episode at its peak.

As the final round of drinks was served and “time” echoed for a last time, there was a mixture of memories and sadness.

James Lee, auctioneer, who is handling the sale said that the property is guiding at €165,000.

“There are a number of interested parties and the business is going to be sold,” he said. “We have received solid offers and I expect that a deal will be closed within the next couple of weeks and that business will be resumed there before too long.”