'For generations to come' - Kilkenny community rally together to save local pub

For generations the Ranchers Return, also known locally as the Village Well, has occupied a central place in the life of Coon in North Kilkenny.

More than just a public house, it has long served as a gathering point for neighbours, a venue for stories and music and a hub where the community can put the world’s wrongs to right.

Established in the mid-1850s, the pub has long been part of the fabric of the community, passing through generations of families and patrons alike.

Much to the community’s disappointment it doors closed for two years in the mid-2000s before reopening and re-establishing its place in the heart of the area.

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However, its future now hangs in the balance again, with the previous proprietors making the difficult decision to put the business on the market after many years behind the bar.

In an attempt to secure its future and with the support of the previous ownership, a number of parishioners have stood up to the mark and are leading the charge to keep the much loved local alive, hosting community meetings and co-ordinating a bid to place the pub’s future in the hands of the community.

But is it almost time for last orders and farewells, or the start of a new chapter yet to be written?

The answer to that question is very much dependent on how many people take up confidential shares.

Community shares are available ‘at €2,500 per share’, but families/groups can also donate whatever they can.

The target is to raise €350,000 to make the dream a reality and ultimately save a vital community resource.

Each contribution of €2,500 will be split into €2,499 which will be classified as a 0% loan via a loan agreement with the limited company and €1 as a purchased share.

In a warm and friendly atmosphere under the care of barman Joe Fenlon, members of the community initiative expressed their firm desire to keep the jewel in the village’s crown shining when speaking to the Kilkenny People.

Phil Shore has lived in Coon all his life, and still remembers Sunday mornings in the 1950s when the whole community came together and the village felt like one family.

"There’s something different about this place," he said. "Rural pubs are all on a downward curve and that’s the big challenge for the committee here but I know it will work because we’re in Coon."

Gerald Flynn’s relationship with the community is more recent but no less emotive.

"I’m living here now 22 years, and it is the hub of the community for parties, anniversary masses, 21sts, pool tournaments and so much more," he said.

"We’re going to run it for the community. We have a million and one ideas as a committee," he added, noting it will be a place where drinkers and non-drinkers can come together.

"Without it (the pub), I think we’d be lost here," he continued.

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"We’ve lots of people that are retired living around the area that come down here to meet. It’s a social thing. It’s the hub of the community,” Gerald added, noting the successful developments within the village, ranging from the state of the art GAA pitch in the village to the playground, which wouldn’t be possible without their base within the pub.

"We all know the isolation that’s in rural Ireland and the pressure people are under," fellow member of the initiative, Brendan Healy added.

"It was hard to get people to come out after the pandemic. People got institutionalised so it was places like this that brought people back to the community.

"If you look around the bar, there’s obviously people having a few pints but there’s a lot of people here who are not and are drinking minerals or tea or coffee. It’s not about drink, it’s about coming down and having the fun," Brendan commented.

"It’s not about our generation. This is actually future-proofing for generations to come."

Local representative, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick commended the group’s efforts, stating, "It’s the hub. Let’s not let it deteriorate. It’s critical we hold on to this resource."

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