Last orders? Fate of cherished Kilkenny pub now hangs in the balance

For generations, the Ranchers Return/Strand Bar in Coon in north Kilkenny has stood at the heart of the community.

Its fate now hangs in the balance. So will it be a case of last orders or a new beginning?

The answer to that question is very much dependent on how many people take up confidential community shares in the enterprise that have been offered in a bid to keep the premises alive.

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In a recent social media post, the organiser of the initiative stated that there will be confidential community shares available 'at €2,500 per share', but people are also advised that they can also 'donate whatever you can' because 'every contribution matters'.

"Our goal is to raise €350,000 to make this dream a reality," the statement reads. "Please share this with friends, family, neighbours, colleagues.

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"It’s the perfect Christmas present for anyone who wants to keep our community alive. Spread the word. Stand with us.
Help us bring Ranchers Return home again. For confidential share enquiries, contact: Brendan Healy – 0860468863."

Accompanying the call-out was a section of prose that highlighted the importance of the building in the community:

"A place where our parents and their parents gathered after mass…
"Where matches were talked about, replayed, argued over…
"Where gossip travelled faster than the wind…
"Where laughter, stories, dances, friendships and memories were made.
"This pub has seen it all – recessions, emigration, Covid, wars, outbreaks – and it still stands.
"But too much has already slipped away from our area.
"We lost the local creamery. We lost our local post office.
"It’s time to stop losing – and start finding again.
"We have a duty not to let this one go on our watch.
"Now we’re asking the community to help us bring Ranchers Return back to life.
"To create a place where we can gather, support each other, celebrate, laugh, cry, relax and enjoy.
"A place that belongs to us all."

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