East Co. Limerick dairy and beef farmer John O'Dea is one of three farmers among members of the community in Kilteely that formed a syndicate to buy the last pub and shop in the village.

The purchase of the Street Bar - formerly Aherns - by locals is the latest in a whole range of initiatives aimed at breathing new life into Kilteely, which is close to the border with Co. Tipperary.

John said he didn't know what to think when he was asked to be a shareholder but, as things progressed, he got more interested.

He explained: "It was the only pub left in the village. I socialised there when I was younger and generations of my family socialised there.

"Hopefully my children will socialise there in the future.

"Back 100/120 years ago, there were eight shops and seven pubs in Kilteely."

Village rejuvenation

After the businesses closed and many young people left the area, locals worked to rejuvenate the village.

Housing and day care for the elderly was provided, locals established a recycling facility and a strategic partnership formed with a local business.

"There is huge community spirit in the parish of Kilteely/Dromkeen. It's unbelievable," John said.

"We have a great tidy towns committee and GAA. For a small village there's a lot going on.

"The closure of the pub was a huge loss to the village. It was a hub for so many people," he recalled.

The decision of 20 shareholders - a total of 26 people were involved, with some buying half shares - has restored the community focal point.

Two other farmers are involved: John Quinlan and Gerry O'Dea.

"It's a great meeting place," John said.

"There's often something going on. We have had funerals and the afters of a wedding among the functions."

John relishes his new role as publican.

"I work with Eileen O'Dea, the manager, on the kegs, taking the orders and being there at closing time," he explained.

"As shareholders, we're from so many different walks of life and we all get on great."

Facilities

As well as a pub and a shop, John outlined that there is a five-bedroomed house and a yard.

"We have turned the shop into a butchers. The butcher came out here from Limerick city," John continued.

"We haven't yet made a decision on the house. It will probably be rented out.

"We did 99% of the work ourselves which was a huge financial help."

The purchase of the pub has generated great interest.

"Noel O'Dea, our CE0, has been getting lots of calls asking how we started as they are facing the same problems as we had," John added.

"We have no problem helping out any group."