Cork politician becomes a publican in Bandon

AN estimated 2,000 pubs have closed their doors since 2005 in Ireland, and an average of 150 per year have thrown in the towel since the pandemic.

However, one well known Bandon man is bucking the trend and opening a bar in the next few weeks.

Sean O’Donovan, well known in political circles for many years, will be back behind a bar counter at The Shambles in the town, to offer pints, chats, and coffees.

And, as a Peace Commissioner, he might also be on hand to provide some excellent advice and guidance for anyone that needs it.

Sean was elected to Bandon Town Council in 2009 and was mayor of the town in 2011. He then ran for election to Cork County Council in 2019, and was there until June of this year.

Sean is no stranger to the pub trade. His dad, John, bought a pub in 1988 in Bandon town, after it had gone up for public auction and he had gone down to see who would buy it. Lo and behold, he came home to his wife with the pub bought!

All of the O’Donovan family, including the six children - bar one son who had moved to Boston in the U.S - were roped into working in the bar, which they loved.

It was the first pub in the town to have Sky TV and was packed out for every match. It was a working man’s pub, and Sean loved the stories and chats with the locals.

Having caught the bug for pub work while young, as an adult, Sean ran The Plunkett Inn in Bandon for 13 years and Fitzy’s in Crosshaven for two and a half years.

Now he is set to open The Shambles in Bandon.

It gets its name from the former market across the road, a polygonal shaped building that was built in 1817. Shambles is an old word for a meat or fish market.

So, what sort of pub will The Shambles be? Sean has big plans for it. And there won’t be a TV, that’s for sure, he says.

“It will be a place to chat and relax and join in on conversations,” he said. “There will be jazz nights and classical nights and art on the walls to promote local artists.

I will be serving only Irish craft beer, and anyone that wants to come in for a tea or a coffee is more than welcome.

“It will be a place where a woman won’t feel uncomfortable to come in on her own.”

There is one extra with The Shambles that will be a first for Sean.

“For the first time, I’ll have a beer garden, so I’m currently buying the plants and lighting for that area, which I’m hoping will be warm and welcoming,” he said.

“There will be local musicians, poetry and storytelling. There won’t be any loud music or unruly behaviour, it just won’t be that sort of place.”

As for staff, Sean hopes to employthree or four locals, but will be behind the bar most of the time himself.

“I want the bar to be welcoming, I love people, making bonds and building relationships“ he explained.

I love to help people in any way I can, and being behind the bar gives me a chance to know what’s going on in people’s lives and in the community.

“Traditional pubs are getting scarce and I want my customers to feel safe and comfortable and welcome.”

Is Sean worried about anti-social behaviour or drugs, that can come with opening a social establishment?

“I have no tolerance for either,” he said. “Myself and my staff will be trained by the Drug Squad on what to look out for and how to deal with any situation that may arise.

“A barring from the pub won’t be temporary, it’ll be for life.

Is he nervous about opening a pub when so many others are closing?

“Not really, we have somewhere around 15 pubs in Bandon now whereas before there were about 50,” he said.

“As with all towns, the trade has suffered in recent years. But, a traditional pub with local musicians, local beer and an eagerness to help the community should do well.”

Sean has not turned his back on politics, either.

“My plan is to run again for local council in 2029,” he said.

However, he wants to keep his representation at a local level and has no interest in a run for the Dáil.

“No, I love local politics and I love promoting my town, so I’ll be staying put!” he vowed.

For now, he is excited about his new business venture.

Very much so. I have to wait for the licence, which I should have in the next few weeks, and I’m good to go.

“There is very little needing done other than cosmetic work, and I have people lined up to help with that. I have sourced local beers, including gluten- free options and alcohol-free local beers as well.”

Sean the landlord will also be able to offer some expertise to his customers - like any good politician on the ground.

“I’ll be happy to help people in any way that I can when it comes to form-filling or advice, like any good publican!” he said.

O Donovan’s at The Shambles is located at Emmet Row, Coolfadda in Bandon, P72 D967, and Sean hopes to be open within the next few weeks. Oh, and mine’s a pint!