Pubs happy to be back in business

by Stuart Tynan

AFTER almost six months closed, the pub trade in Mayo is happy to be back in business.

While it may be a much different environment than patrons will have been accustomed to over the years, and with some adjustments to get used to on both sides of the counter, the overriding feeling of the reopening has been one of happiness among all.

Mary Cunningham, who along with her husband Kevin operates The Shamrock Bar in Breaffy, said: "We opened on Monday of last week and it was lovely.

"We had some of the GAA lads after the final in as well as the majority of the locals and it was lovely to see them all back."

Regarding the guidelines, she added: "Obviously, we do what we have to do. We have had to put some of the seats away which is a drawback.

"We don't know what the next few months will hold but all we can do is our best.

"It has been an awful hit for us all but Covid is a serious virus and we have to be careful of our elderly and children. We'll carry on."

Darren McDonagh, proprietor of The Railway Tavern, Manulla, admitted he had his doubts over how well they would do following the reopening but despite a 'weird' feeling initially, people adjusted well to it.

"I wasn't sure how it was going to go but we had a good crowd in on the Monday and the few days since," said Darren.

"There is no bar service and we have the seats taken from the bar.

"People did find the table service a bit weird at first but there has still been a good atmosphere since we've reopened."

The challenge over the coming winter months, as well as localised lockdowns taking place in Dublin and Donegal recently and several other counties potentially facing the same fate, is keeping everyone on alert and the future for pubs, as well as other businesses, remains unclear.

But Darren, while being realistic about the situation, remains positive.

"I fear it may quieten over the coming months. All we can do is play it by ear as who knows what will happen.

"Some pubs may have to close for an extra day or two or reduce hours to keep costs down. But we'll do our best," he said.