Tolster’s of Castlebar clinches victory as inaugural AhRef World Cup of Mayo Pubs champions
Caoimhín Rowland
In a thrilling announcement that reverberated through the heart of Mayo, Tolster’s of Castlebar emerged victorious as the first-ever AhRef World Cup of Mayo Pubs champions. The news, delivered on Thursday evening, sent ripples of excitement through the public houses of the county, solidifying Tolster's reputation as the premier pub destination.
The coveted title was secured through an online competition orchestrated by the ingenious mind behind AhRef, the Burrishoole podcaster. With a vision to promote and celebrate the rich pub culture spread across the county, the competition quickly gained momentum, drawing a staggering 5,000 votes on average for each participating pub during the knockouts.
The climactic showdown saw Tolster's pitted against a formidable opponent, An Bolg Buí of Ballina, in a spirited contest that gripped the attention of Mayo's inhabitants. The Spencer Street establishment’s ambiance and charm ultimately outshone its competition, earning them the coveted gong and a place in the history books.
Driving the visuals behind this virtual pub celebration was none other than Glenhest native, Cathal Chambers of Chambers Marketing. His graphic expertise lent a dynamic touch to the competition, elevating the overall experience of the tournament.
A testament to the competition's popularity, over 160 pubs vied for the top spot, resulting in a staggering 11,000 votes being cast for the finalists. The event showcased the remarkable diversity and vibrancy of Mayo's pub scene, bringing together both locals and enthusiasts from afar.
However, no victory comes without its challenges. The democratic process faced its share of trials, pushing the organisers to their limits. Former Tolster’s barman, Jonny Morley, a social media virtuoso and a dedicated Liverpool FC fanatic, played a pivotal role in securing Tolster’s win. Morley's adept use of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter rallied a substantial online following, ultimately tipping the scales in favour of Tolster’s.
Celebrity endorsements further fuelled the competition's fervour, with Lacken native and Irish rugby player Caelan Doris, the talented Irish musicians, the Mary Wallopers, and numerous Mayo GAA stars actively participating in AhRef’s electoral process.
Podcaster and social media influencer AhRef's brainchild transcended local boundaries, attracting attention not only nationwide but also from around the world. Votes poured in from various corners of the globe, transforming a local pub competition into a global celebration of Mayo's pub heritage.
In recognition of their achievement, Tolster’s will be awarded a 2,000 euro voucher from Monaghan Brothers hospitality furniture company, a fitting token for their contribution to Mayo's pub legacy.
As the curtains draw on this electrifying inaugural AhRef World Cup of Mayo Pubs, the memories forged, and the connections established among patrons, publicans, and enthusiasts alike.