A group of local residents have combined to ensure a much loved and historic County Waterford pub remains an important focal point in their community.
Thirteen locals have taken on the running of Haughton's Pub situated at Ross, Kilmeaden on the N25 near Carroll's Cross.
They embarked on the venture determined to save and preserve the popular pub which has a proud tradition as a warm and welcoming hostelry.
Gerry O'Connell and his wife Margaret ran Haughton's Pub from 1997 until 2023 when they retired.
Before that, the pub was run by Paddy and David Haughton whose father Patrick ran it before them.
According to Gerry, the oldest licence on record is from the year 1900.
Speaking to WLR News this week, Gerry outlined how the new model of running Haughton's came about.
"When we retired we weren't sure what we wanted to do. We gave it twelve months before we decided if we'd put it up for lease or sale," he explained.
"Along the way, the local lads approached me and asked if I'd have an interest in leasing it to them. I was over the moon and thought it was an excellent idea. It's the best thing that could have happened the place."
Gerry believes it's all the "characters" over the years that have helped create the atmosphere which Haughton's became renowned for.
John O'Donnell is one of the thirteen local residents involved in the new venture.
"We wanted to keep the bar open and keep the tradition going," he explained.
"We were regular customers here, especially on Friday nights. We used to love the craic, having a few drinks, and a bit of singing. When the place closed, we missed it."
John explains that the idea of taking on the running of Haughton's among the community stemmed from an idea which Don Flynn mooted.
"We're all involved in different trades and businesses but none of us had experience in a bar," said John.
"There's a lot involved in getting set up. It's a hard job but we're enjoying it all."
A rota system has been devised to fairly allocated duties and decide on who is tasked with working on any given night.
"Everyone brings different skills and the support we're getting from the public is fantastic," adds John.
David Power is also on board and he told WLR he has many fond memories of Haugthon's from over the years.
"It's more than a pub, it's an institution really," he says.
"Sitting inside in the main room is like being at home in the sitting room, it's a nice cosy feel."
David explains that television use is minimal in the pub and there's no Wi-Fi.
"People are forced to talk - and that's the way we like it."
Haughton's is currently open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays with live music on certain nights.
You can hear more from those involved on air on WLR this week
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