Ex-boxer part of team set to revive Cork’s Pav

A former boxer-turned entrepreneur is part of a team which is stepping into the ring to revive one of Cork’s best-loved music venues.

London-based James Chisholm, a former boxer from Togher, Cork, took six national titles and 130 amateur bouts before turning professional.

He and brothers Kevin and Alan Foley, also from Togher, have taken over the former Pav venue on Carey’s Lane.

James said they hope the venue will attract top-notch music acts to ensure it punches above its weight.

“We’re taking an extremely pragmatic approach with The Pav,” James said.

“We know where our skills exist but we also know when we need to step back and let people with greater experience shine.

“This venue has a fantastic reputation and we knew we needed to get the very best to ensure that reputation continues to grow.”

James and his business partners have linked up with Edel Curtin and her team at Coughlans Live to source live music for The Pav.

“While the venue has always attracted great names, we believe that working together, we can ensure we punch above our weight and bring some truly great acts and nights to Cork,” James said. The Pav opened in 1921 and served as a cinema until 1989.

It was then remodelled as a nightclub, before being transformed into a respected live music venue.

The venue closed earlier this year, leaving a significant gap in the city’s music and entertainment scene.

James said the new team is hard at work, preparing it for its phased re-opening.

The downstairs bar will be renamed ‘Pana’ and will re-open in the next few weeks with a focus on locally-sourced innovative food during the day, and music in the evening.

James said they will then turn their attention to the upstairs section, where they have plans to install state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, in the hope of opening the venue in March.

“We can’t wait to open the doors and begin writing the next chapter for the Pav,” said James.