Popular Mayo pub to re-open shortly

LAST January saw the end of an era as McCarthy’s Bar, Main Street, Castlebar, closed its doors, writes Peter Gallagher.

There was an air of sadness as the last musical session in the premises was aptly named ‘The Last Waltz’.

The reality was that the bar had changed ownership and was well due a facelift.

Recurring structural issues meant the facelift became much more difficult to deal with as the year progressed.

Now an end is in sight and the famous pub is set to reopen shortly under the ownership of Kevin Swift and his family, originally of Gallow’s Hill, Castlebar.

A little history first, however.

Pat Tierney, who was the licencee for seven years before its closure earlier this year, told The Connaught Telegraph the bar got its name from the late Pete McCarthy.

Pete and his wife Catherine set up and ran the bar from 1987 to 1990. Catherine organised and held set dancing lessons at the back of the premises. During this time Paddy Mills, who has since sadly passed away, would team up with Joe Carey. This would be a regular fixture.

Brothers Niall and Derek Malone took over the business from September 1990.

It was clear the bar was becoming a hot bed for local talent. Legendary names such as John Hoban, who would team up with Tony Donegan (RIP), set the bar very high on the Monday and Wednesday night sessions.

Other names who played there during this era included bass player Pearse Doherty, who many people would know from the Sawdoctors, who would pop in from time to time.

Mike McCarthy, along with Paul Holmes and Brian Loftus, held one of the longest running session in McCarthy’s. Mike said it lasted for 10 years. They were the anchormen for the sessions, playing an ecelectic mix of music ranging from bluegrass and traditional. Newcomers were always welcome and were vital to its success, bringing their own influences, which kept it fresh.

Service will resume, entertainment wise, as soon as a reopening date is confirmed.

A new history awaits McCarthy’s Bar and best wishes are extended to the new owners.