Farrellys call time at The Lavey Inn
Seamus and Pauline Farrelly walked out from behind The Lavey Inn’s bar for the final time on August 4, and on the way out they held the door open for new owners Johnny and Liz Gaughan.
They wish them every success as their journey at the landmark pub and restaurant begins, and while Seamus and Pauline have pulled their last pints, the memories they have made there will last forever.
A massive crowd turned up for their final day at The Lavey Inn, which was both “emotional” and filled with “joy” as their regulars for the past 35 years bid them farewell.
“All our friends, customers and neighbours and family were all there,” Seamus says.
A farewell post shared online garnered hundreds of likes and comments, with one detailing how the couple not only provided good food and drink, but also a hub where people could gather and enjoy themselves.
“That was exactly the idea” the now retired publican says.
They have made “lots of memories” during their time at the pub, and Seamus fondly remembers the celebrations after big wins by Lavey GAA, including the famous Intermediate Championship win of 2009.
“Lots of passing clubs won the cup as well and came in and celebrated with us,” he recalls.
The Crosserlough native took over The Lavey Inn in 1991, and ran the business alongside wife Pauline. Both would encourage young people to enter the pub trade, as they have “enjoyed every moment”.
“We felt it was our time to move on but we enjoyed every moment and we have no regrets. We loved every moment of it,” Seamus reflects.
“All we have is good memories,” Pauline adds.
“It’s [bar work] great for any young people or anybody interested,” Seamus encourages; while his wife adds how they provided gainful employment to third level students in the local area.
“We’ll miss the people and the customers, and our neighbours,” Pauline says.
Seamus says he will “miss the wee bit of banter” that comes along with being a publican.
“We probably won’t miss the work or locking up at night,” Pauline laughs.
They passed the key over to Ashbourne natives Liz and Johnny, who also own the award-winning Hard-Boiled Egg cafe in Cavan Town.
“We’re just taking every day as it comes for the moment, we have nothing planned for the moment,” Seamus shares.
“We want to wish Johnny and Liz the best of luck,” Pauline adds.
They expressed their thanks to staff members, both past and present, customers, neighbours, friends, entertainers, suppliers; as well as to anybody who had passed through the Lavey Inn’s doors over the past 35 years.