The Pubs of Cork: 'I saw the pub for sale during the pandemic, I ended up buying it'

There is a good reason that locals, visitors, day-trippers, walkers, and holidaymakers seek out the Goalpost Bar & Lounge in Shangarry.

“It is a most beautiful part of the world,” says co-owner Cullen Dempsey, from Blackrock.

He and John Naughton, from Ballincollig, took it over five years ago.

“Buying the pub from Seamus and Margaret Crowley happened by chance,” explains Cullen.

“John and I are friends since we were young and we are business partners for years now.

“We took over the Goalpost Bar on the August bank holiday weekend five years ago.”

The rustle of a newspaper from a reader at the counter and the banter of the bartender blends well with the gentle thud of the perfect pint of stout landing on the smoothed timber.

Of course, when the duo took over, we were in the midst of a pandemic. How did the sale come about?

“The Goalpost was closed during covid,” Cullen says. “The Fry Guys were operating outside. They wanted to sell coffee, and we were asked to bring down a dock to them. I saw the for-sale sign up outside the Goalpost. I ended up buying it! Both John and I said we’d give it a go.

“The location was a big factor. There was plenty of scope. We could see the potential.”

The pub is handy for summer road trips, for the players and supporters of GAA neighbours, Russell Rovers and St Colmans. When the sun shines, punters can spill outside to the beer garden that boasts two televisions beaming live sport.

“The lively surrounding areas of Garryvoe, Ballycotton, and Cloyne are a great plus for us,” says Cullen.

“Students from Ballymaloe Cookery School can walk here in the evenings after their classes finish. The bar is a natural meeting place for both young and old.”

It was a great plus that both men worked behind the bar in their youth.

“Yes, like a lot of youngsters did, we served our time behind the bar,” says Cullen, laughing. “At busy times, we often call on our older children to help us out, collecting glasses and the like.”

The role of collecting glasses was called a ‘pot man’ back in the day.

“That’s right,” says Cullen. “And it’s an important job to keep tables clear and keep up the supply of clean glasses.”

There are opportunities at the Goalpost.

“Yes, from collecting glasses and cleaning tables, you can climb up the ranks!”

Cullen and John put a lot of effort into the pub.

“We weren’t cautious,” says Cullen. “We invested a lot into the pub, upgrading the heating system, and into lay-out for instance. The beer garden can hold 80 to 100 people. We put a new canopy up there. Families can enjoy the great outdoors on a nice day.

“The beer garden is popular for birthday parties and other occasions. We’re thinking more about attracting young people for events. That’s our aim.”

The owners thought of everything. Including a courtesy bus for the owners of mobile homes to and from the nearby holiday parks.

“The bus is a great novelty,” says Cullen. “All we need now is for the sun to shine!”

While the Goalpost wakes to the cry of seagulls every morning, and is surrounded by views that sweep you off your feet, inside the cosybar bustles with activity.

“I love having the chat with the GAA members and their supporters as I am from a GAA background myself,” says Cullen.

Teams play a big part in Goalpost.

“We have an active darts team,” says Cullen. “The Shanagarry Development Group meet here. And we’ve kept up the tradition of hosting the annual coffee morning for Marymount. Our music sessions at weekends are really popular. Live music brings a great atmosphere of enjoyment. There’s nothing like a good sing-along.”

People like tradition.

“We are welcoming three generations of families now who come down from the city to their mobile homes for the summer,” says Cullen. “It is lovely to see them all enjoying themselves together.”

What attracted Cullen to a country pub as opposed to a city pub?

“I love the cosy atmosphere of a country pub,” he says. “I like the country feel. It is a homely feeling, if you like. I felt welcome here from the start.

“Often, city pubs can feel anonymous even though I really like my own local, Pier Head in Blackrock. Here, we have a lot of regulars who know each other well. On weekdays retired people drop in for a chat and a pint.”

Spots are reserved in the Goalpost.

“Ah yes, we have the local characters coming in who have their own seat or stool in the bar,” says Cullen.

“Our bar manager Dan O’Shea likes getting to know them. Dan is like one of the locals himself! He is great to interact with customers and get in on the conversation. He’s good at reading people.”

The East Cork characters are entertaining.

“The running commentary is great cráic! The titbits and the bits of history related between the customers are priceless. People around here have huge information about the locality.”

Things are hotting up at the Goalpost ahead of the promise of a ‘good’ summer.

“Jonathon Murphy and the crew of Gourmet Grill are heading down here the end of the month to set up shop in the kitchen,” says Cullen.

Jonathon is five years in the hospitality business.

“I bought an Airstream van at the start of lockdown,” he says.

He likes being beside the seaside.

“Who doesn’t?” says Jonathon laughing.

He and his crew will really be pushing the boat out.

“We are doing all types of burgers. Our speciality chips include curry, cheese, and garlic. Peppercorn fries with mushrooms and onions are also on the menu. People are in for a treat.”

Cullen and John got a great welcome when they took over the bar. “Seamus and Margaret were really good to us,” says Cullen. “And it’s lovely to see them in the pub for a catch-up.”

I tell Cullen that after 47 years in East Cork, I am still regarded as a ‘blow in’.

“Really?” says Cullen. “In Cork it usually takes 60 years to become a local!”

Hopefully, Cullen and John will stay the distance.

“The pub business has it challenges,” says Cullen. “Breweries struggle keeping competitive prices steady. We all know the cost of living has risen. The pub business, while not exactly thriving, it is surviving.”