An auction of the items from the Munster Bar will take place at Keighery's today, as the owners move their business upstairs.

Michael Fitzgerald told Maria that it was time for a change, after the venue, which has been in operation since 1954, has seen quieter times of recent years.

While the Munster Bar will remain operational upstairs as solely a pub, a restaurant will soon occupy the downstairs space.

Speaking to Maria on Déise Today, Michael said the Munster Bar has a "fantastic connection with theatre" and all the local memorabilia surrounding that will still be on display upstairs.

He said the pub trade has changed dramatically in recent years, "People's habits have changed and I don't think they're going to change back," Michael said, adding that the pub is now almost entirely centred around the weekend.

He said over the last five or six years he's seen a decline in post-theatre crowds midweek into the pub too, "I don't think there's any other business in the last ten years that's changed as much as the pub trade," he said.

Michael told Maria that he's really confident of a bright future for the Munster Bar, despite the sadness of today. He says the new restaurant offering will have "a big emphasis on wine," adding that the couple who are taking it over have over 20 years experience and will bring a lot to the Mall.

During the conversation on Déise Today, listeners got in touch about the Munster Bar, with one, Junior Drohan, saying he was born in the building back when it was Power's Garage!

"It's the end and it's the beginning," Michael told Maria, reflecting on the sale of memorabilia today.

Have a listen to their chat on Déise Today, through the link in this podcast.

And for all Déise podcasts, click here.