Last orders at Nuala’s
It was a night to remember recently at Nuala Fitzgibbon’s Bar in McCurtain St when the bar closed down for the last time. A very large crowd of friends and neighbours gathered to say farewell to Nuala and wish her well in the future.
Memories were recalled of the long-ago days when farmers concluded their days in the pub and when Christy Ring and his team-mates from the Cork hurling team hanged upstairs after a game. Also remembered was the great Shakespearan actor Anew McMaster and some of his troupe of travelling players who always stayed at Nuala’s while playing in The Palace, as also did the actress who played Minnie in The Riordans.
Nuala recalls growing up in the pub, as the youngest in the family, she remembers going on a boat trip upriver to Castlehyde with her father, Daniel in one of Josie Donovan’s pleasure boats and the surprise her mother, Mary who was walking at Garners Island got when she saw them. She can recall very busy times with her mother filling bottles of Guinness from barrels, these large bottles came to be known as Danno’s.
Among the many old photographs on the wall in the bar there is one of Lovely Cottage, the horse that won the English Grand National in 1946. There are many other old photos of sporting events in the town which bring back many happy memories. Many will remember the card games, the singing and the quiz on Thursday nights so ably compered by the late Tommy Baker, they were always very enjoyable and Nuala was often helped by her great friends, Bernie and Martin.
The last night at Nuala’s was both memorable and enjoyable and we thank her for all the years, as Bob Hope said ‘thanks for the memories’.