Only pub in Laois village reopens after almost six years

THE only pub in a Laois village reopened with new owners and a new name on Friday, nearly six years after it closed down.

There were cheers and lively celebrations in Rosenallis when Village Tap, formerly Poole’s Tavern, throws open its doors at 6pm to welcome locals again at last.

The pub was a major loss to Rosenallis when it remained closed after the Covid lockdown. The venue was not only a landmark pub but a vital community hub and meeting place in the village, which has no community centre.

New owners Mark Dunne and Wayne Walshe have carried out major renovations since they took over the licence from Martin Poole last March, while Rosenallis Tidy Towns and other volunteers all helped to bring the freshly painted pub frontage back to life.

It was a labour of love for Wayne, who has his own building company and Mark, who has a plumbing business. The traditional interior has undergone a remarkable restoration, with the building stripped back to its beautiful old stonework.

An inviting beer garden has been added to the rear, while another highlight is a magnificent mural of St Brigid with Rosenallis in the background, created by Tara Poole.

Fr Tom Walshe PP and Revd Leslie Robinson blessed Village Tap, before it was declared open to loud applause.

The pub was filled with music at long last that night when The Dooley Brothers entertained a large crowd, delighted to have a welcoming local venue for community gatherings, family celebrations or just a relaxing pint with friends.

It was a weekend of rejuvenation for the village, with the opening of The Beauty Haven next door on Saturday afternoon by local woman Faith Bennett, who described the bright new salon as a lifelong dream come true.