News
Publicans fear a different landscape post Coronavirus
B
By Sean Moriarty
Life after the current Coronavirus pandemic will be very different for tourism - particularly pubs - according to two well-known Killarney bar owners.
Pubs were the first to be asked to close as the country strived to contain the spread of the virus, but it looks likely to be the last type of business to be allowed to re-open.
Publicans say they agree with the current measures to protect the health of the country’s citizens, but their thoughts are already turning to measures they will need to take once they are given the green light to reopen.
Patrick O’Sullivan, who runs the Tatler Jack on Plunkett St, is calling for a Government-led aid package to stimulate growth in the sector.
“There has to be a package and it needs to come from the Government and be trashed out with the Vintners Federation,” he said. “There will have to be a lot of thought put into it."
He also says any delay in reopening pubs will only further postpone the tourist season as he feels Killarney’s nightlife is equally part the tourist package as the scenery and other attractions.
“Pubs are part of the jigsaw and we can’t finish the puzzle with a piece missing,” he said. “If we don’t have the full jigsaw, we won’t have the footfall and everyone will suffer.”
Kate O’Leary who runs the Laurels Bar and Restaurant at Market Cross has similar concerns.
“Pubs are part of our unique selling point and this is why so many people come here from all over the world,” she said. “Struggling pubs should be assisted – they are fundamental to our tourism.”
Both publicans are calling for better Government direction, in terms of preparations and what are they allowed do when they do re-open.
“Can I open the restaurant and service it from the bar?” she asked. “How will we manage social distancing in a bar? Some people outside will decide themselves if a place is too busy and won’t enter, and the days being wedged into an Irish pub could change, people won’t be comfortable to be elbow-to-elbow in a bar.”
Kate also raised concerns about potential claims against owners of a public building if a cure cannot be found for COVID-19 and if someone takes legal action after they, potentially, catch the virus in such a building.
“We live in a very litigious society, we are at risk of being open to claims,” she added.
Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise
Dr Crokes GAA Club hosted a special day out for its senior members on Monday, this week, taking a group aged between 70 and 90 on a cruise across the Lakes of Killarney.
Organised by the Dr Crokes Healthy Club committee under its Crokes Cruisers initiative, the event was held to recognise the lifetime contribution made by long-standing members who continue to support club activities behind the scenes.
The group travelled on two vessels, including An Cathal, an open boat operated by local brothers Tony and Mike Fleming. Built to preserve the traditional Killarney lake boat style, it is the only purpose-built, fully accessible boat on the lakes, allowing members with mobility issues and wheelchair users to safely join the two-hour trip.
Following the lake tour, the party gathered on shore for coffee and refreshments provided by Derric McMahon and Harry Clifton of the Ross Castle Garden Cafe.
The initiative forms part of the club’s ongoing community work as a Gold Award winner in the GAA Healthy Club programme.
New Streetscapes murals launched at College Square
A colourful collaboration between the Kerry Local Creative Youth Partnership (LCYP) and the Architecture Kerry Festival at Kerry County Council...
Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise
Dr Crokes stalwarts enjoy lake cruise Dr Crokes GAA Club hosted a special day out for its senior members on...
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
Grady demands Killarney traffic review
Killarney councillor Martin Grady has called for an urgent review of traffic management across the town following severe delays along...
Fossa Swimmers make a splash at County Finals
The Fossa Swim team pictured at the Tralee Sports Complex following their successful outing at the County Finals of the...
On the Ball Part 2 of the Mikey Daly Interview
Éamonn Fitzgerald EF: Killarney Celtic are invited to participate in an Irish competition. That has big financial implications for travel,...
LUKE MANGAN recently caught up with Kerry FC’s manager, Colin Healy.
He spoke to him about his careers as a player and manager. Here’s how it went: When you began your...
Home cup tie for St Paul’s could be epic
Paudie O’Connor National Cup (Round 1) Utility Trust St Paul’s v GCU Brunell Saturday 7.30pm Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre...
Chances of Kerry v Cork Munster final in 2026 decrease as Munster GAA delay seeding plan
After facing a backlash from Limerick, Clare, Waterford and Tipperary players, Munster GAA have postponed their plan to keep Cork...
