END OF A ERA AT LANDMARK KILLORGLIN INN
THE sale of The Bianconi Inn in Killorglin brings to an end the Sheehy family’s association with the famous landmark that stretches back to 1955 when Rick and Ray’s parents first bought the premises.
The 16 bedroom, three-storey premises is one of the first buildings visitors to Killorglin will see once they cross the bridge and the Sheehy family are immensely proud of their tenure in a property that they continuously upgraded and expanded over many years to ensure it maintained its reputation as one of Killorglin’s visitor hotspots.
The premises is named after Charles Bianconi who was one of Europe’s leading innovators in public transport, while its location is also an historic one as it sits on the site of the former Bianconi stage coach route.
Rick and Ray took over the business from their parents in 1970 when they left school and The Bianconi Inn has been part and parcel of life for the brothers for as long as they can remember. Ray has given 50 years to the business, closely followed by Rick’s 46 years’ service.
But Rick is far from emotional about the new adventure as he feels they’ve had a fantastic spell running a very famous premises in the heart of town. It was a popular port of call during Puck Fair when visitors from all over Ireland made their way there.
“Puck Fair was always a popular time in the hotel and we met people from every walk of life during our time. There is a lot of long hours involved in our line of work, but it’s not hard work,” said Rick.
“The industry has changed a lot since we took over but that’s just the way it goes. I’m not too emotional about leaving as we’ve had a brilliant stint and you must be practical about these things. My brother and I have been working here since we were around 12-years old collecting glasses in the bar,” he added.
And as for retirement plans? “I’ve no immediate plans but you might start seeing more of me on the golf course, fishing and gardening,” said Rick.