‘Phenomenal’ support for owners after Cork residents buy last pub in village

After Cullen's last pub closed, locals were determined to reopen it. And they have been overwhelmed with support, with local farmers, electricians, plumbers, and carpenters working voluntarily to fix it up

Damian Hickey, Frankie O’Sullivan, Linda Ryan, and John Walsh raise a glass at Tigh Laitiarain in Cullen, Co Cork. Along with fellow company director Martin Collins, they have spearheaded the reopening of the last pub in the village. Picture: Larry Cummins

It’s not often that drinkers are led into a pub to the skirl of bagpipes. But then this is no ordinary pub.

Around 70 shareholders recently clubbed together to buy the pub in the small village of Cullen in North West Cork in an effort to keep the social fabric of their community alive.