'Always go' in the Lemon Tree
MEET THE FINALISTS: BEST IN HOSPITALITY
After a lifetime of working behind bars, Michael Gargan bought his own on Barrack Street in Bailieborough in 1978.
A native of Tierworker, Michael’s career as a publican started back in 1962 at the age of just 14 years when he picked up a job in the local pub and grocer called the Royal Breffni.
Four years later, he decided to take an adventure to England, where he got a job in the North London Hotel in Kilburn. He later moved to Scotland - where his brother and sister were living, with his wife Frances.
The pair eventually returned to Cavan, and Michael went back to work for Brendan and Kate Reilly in the Tierworker pub. Many prominent Irish musicians played there in the 70s, including the Fureys, Paddy Reilly and Phelim and the Magnets, and there were often nights where 500-600 people from all over Ireland filled the pub.
Seen as a good way of improving the future for the family, Michael bought his own business with Frances and his mother - who sold some land she had owned to purchase the property. Inspired by the name of a pub he and Frances frequented in Scotland, he named it the Lemon Tree.
When they bought it, there were more than 33 pubs in Bailieborough, including five pubs on Barrack Street. Forty-eight years later, the Lemon Tree is one of only five pubs in the town.
‘Micko’ - as he is known locally, is now 78 years old and has stepped back from the business in recent years. His son Malcolm and daughter Linda - two of his 11 children - have since taken over, and many of the extended family also work there. Around 10 people are employed in the pub. Except for two of his children, the family still live locally.
“Most people have jumped in and out at some stage,” says his son Oliver, adding that it was “always go” growing up in the pub.
Over the years, the Gargans have shared many memories there with locals who have become part of the family. ‘Micko’s’ has also warmly welcomed a younger crowd, who Michael feel “light up” the place.
FIND US
The Lemon Tree is open everyday except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays. For more information, visit their facebook page @thelemontreebailie.
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FULL LIST OF FINALISTS
Read about the other three finalists in this category by visiting the stories below.