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FOR SOME PEOPLE the idea of running a pub and living above the shop sounds idyllic.
Spending the day talking to the regulars and the self sufficiency that comes with being your own boss sounds like an appealing way to live, and it is what many pub owners do around the towns and villages of Ireland.
However, in recent times, things have gotten harder for the lone publicans out there. Rising costs and competition from off licences have made it harder to survive. Between 2007 and 2012 there were 959 pub closures.
To find out more about the lifestyle in 2015, TheJournal.ie spoke to Willie Doyle, a third-generation publican who runs Willy Doyle’s Pub in Athy, Co Kildare.
Three generations
The pub has been in his family since 1907 when Willie Doyle’s grandfather, Willy, moved back to Ireland from Brooklyn and set up shop. Today, the pub remains much the same as it was then.
“I have been working in the pub since I was 18 years of age. I took over the pub in 1983. My father had it before me. He passed away in 1985 and he was in ill health for a couple of years before he died, so I took over then,” Willie explains.
I am an only child and it was only myself and my mother so I had to get stuck in. It wasn’t easy at the time but I have no regrets.
While living so close to work might seem convenient, often it can mean working substantially more than the average week. Willie often does as many as 70 hours over 6 days.
“It is a big working week, but when you’re working for yourself you have to do that. The customer always likes to see the publican behind the counter,” he says.
Way of life
Living above the bar are Willie and his wife, who he married three years ago.
“She came from a farming background so it was a big change for her now but she is very happy living here and has adjusted well to the pub life and that. She helps out in the bar as well,” he says.
Willie’s living quarters are located to the side and above the pub and he says that after thirty years, he has “gotten used to” any noise coming in from the bar.
A big part of maintaining the business is keeping a regular customer base. It is estimated around 95% of those that come in are regulars – and despite losing trade to off-licence alcohol – this loyal customer base keeps things ticking over.
For Willie, while the pub life suits him, it isn’t something anyone should take on without giving some serious thought to the hard work involved.
I tell you now they’d get a rude awakening. You don’t just open the doors in the morning and the people come in. There is a lot of work to be done. You have to look after your customers.
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TV is basically tabloid TV, Vinny is OK the rest tends to be crap.
A show about Irish people emigrating to London. How edgy and unique. I’d nearly watch it to see what the producers definition of “interesting” is…. but I won’t.
Watch TV3? Are you having a laugh?
Vinny is the only reason I switch the box on, looking forward to the documentary. He holds no punches and sides with no political party. Best entertainment on Irish television! Kenny is scared shitless of him!
Vincent knows more about Gerry than Gerry knows about himself. Should be interesting.
At least it will be a genuine documentary. If rte made it there’d be horror music played in the background and it would be shot in black and white
It will be a rehash of the one TV3 made a few years ago about SF, except this time maybe having an interview with Gerry Adams rather than MMcG.
Shinnerbots will deny the parts they don’t like and rave about the parts they do like.
Dermo,I can get you a good deal on a satellite dish so you will be able to view all the South’s tv channels including tv3.
One fiddy Dermo,good price,special price just for you.
(Sterling)
I’m ecstatic.
Vincent is the only show in town. I’d watch him no matter what station he worked for. Yes,even UTV Ireland, and that’s saying something.
TV3,= copy and paste,
Vincent is no fan of SF … Expect a hatchet job .
He’s no fan of fainna fail, fine Gael, labour either. Expect an in depth balanced well written documentary
Supernova …. Last time TV3 did something on SF they edited out part if a conversation with former SF Cllr Killian Forde to make it sound like he was calling SF a cult .
I can not find fault with Vinny doing a hatchet job on SF. Their comrades in the IRA were experts in their usages.
Good man Cillian, get your retaliation in first.
Unionists/blueshirts assemble! #flutemusic
What a complete load of sh!te
Isn’t TV3 owned by Denis O Brien?
At least we don’t have to pay licence fee for it Not owned by DOB
No.
No it’s owned buy this crowd https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doughty_Hanson_%26_Co
UPC owns TV3.
I think Gerry will be destroyed in a debate by Vincent…
In defence of TV3, they don’t receive and tv licencing money….so at least we don’t have to pay for any of their crap
7% of the Licence Fee goes into the Broadcast Fund which is administered by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. The Broadcast Fund is paid out to applicants to fund specific programmes. For example, TV3′s gem “Danger! Amanda at Work” received a grant from the Broadcast Fund.
Similarly, TV3′s drama “Red Rock” received a grant of €800,000 from the Broadcast Fund.
(Source: IrishTimes.com 9 July 2015; http://www.bai.ie.)
I don’t think there’s any issue with the likes of Red Rock getting money but that other rehashed muck is deplorable.
Riveting – completely engrossing: compelling; the documentary is a riveting account of the freedom fighters journey through the troubled decades.
Hahaha, sneak preview of the wording for the promo for Mr Adams aka ‘I was not in the PIRA’
I can only imagine how cringeworthy their version of Gogglebox will be, watch an Irish TV station yet again make a balls of what is an excellent programme.
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