Bronze award for Deery’s in Carrick

Deery’s Bar and Lounge in Carrickmacross has plenty to celebrate after securing third place in the prestigious Local Pub of the Year competition.

The popular Main Street premises was among 15 finalists from across Ireland honoured at a black-tie gala awards ceremony in the Clayton Hotel, Ballsbridge, on Monday night, proudly flying the flag for the Cavan-Monaghan region.

For proprietor Mícheál Deery, the achievement is recognition of generations of family commitment to the trade. The business was founded in 1932 by his grandfather, Michael Deery, who returned home from England to open the pub. Today, Mícheál and his wife Christina run the establishment, while his father Michael remains a familiar presence.

Speaking before the awards, Mícheál said reaching the final was already a major honour.

“It’s great recognition for us as a family, our staff and our customers, past and present,” he said. “We’ve worked hard and it’s something we’re really proud of.”

Following a series of judging visits in May and June, Deery’s was the only pub from the Cavan-Monaghan area shortlisted in the category in July. Mícheál credited the pub’s loyal customer base and its role at the heart of the community for its success.

“We’ve great customers and it’s a place where you can come for a quiet pint, to read the paper, to meet or make friends, to celebrate or commiserate. There’s something for everybody,” he said.

While the local pub trade continues to face challenges from rising operating costs, the Deery family remains focused on adapting and evolving. A major refurbishment undertaken during the Covid-19 pandemic has helped ensure the historic premises continues to thrive.

Finishing third in a national competition marks another proud chapter in the story of a family business that has been serving Carrickmacross and the surrounding area for more than nine decades.