Bagenalstown Local celebrates its first birthday
Proprietors Linda Smithers and Robbie Foley with staff members Jack and Eoghan Kelly and Yvonne Fitzpatrick during the first anniversary celebrations in The Local in Bagenalstown Photos: michaelorourkephotography.ie
WHAT’S in a name? Well, plenty if you’re naming any sort of a business – and especially if it’s a pub.
So when Robbie Foley and Lynda Smithers took over a public house in the centre of Bagenalstown last year, they decided to call it The Local.
“We always thought it would be a great name because everyone says that they’re going to the local if they’re going for a pint,” explained Robbie.
And now it seems the watering hole has lived up to its name and is, indeed, a local for both the residents of Bagenalstown and for those passing through. Robbie is a well-known hurler who used to play for Naomh Eoin, Myshall and the county team, so players returning to south Carlow after games would pop in for a pint and a chat.
Robbie grew up in a pub in Garryhill as his parents owned the well-known Foley’s, while Lynda came from a hospitality background. Together, they make a winning team.
“It’s been absolutely great. The support we’ve gotten is amazing. We’re right beside the church on Market Square, so we get weddings, christenings … funerals, too. The big events. Lynda and I used to drink here ourselves and we loved the place when it was Phelan’s pub. When it came up for lease last year, we decided to go for it. We’d a chance to throw ourselves into the deep end and here we are now a year later and we’re doing great,” said Robbie.
