The Pubs of Cork: 'Visitors to our pub aren’t customers - they’re our friends'

For 30 years, Denis and Tina Murray have run Murray’s Bar in Macroom with a simple ethos.

“The people that come in here aren’t really our customers, they’re more like our friends,” they say.

The couple took over the reins of the pub on the town’s main street from Denis Murray Snr, better known as ‘The Boss’.

He and his wife Sheila - known to everyone as ‘Mother’ - had bought the pub in 1973 from ‘Happy’ Murphy, and it has been one of Macroom’s most popular bars ever since.

‘The Boss’ never served behind the bar, that was the job of ‘Mother’. His role was to greet people coming in, gather the news, and act as a bouncer when needed! ‘The Boss’ was the front of house manager before such a thing existed.

Denis and his wife Tina, who took over the bar in 1996, have three daughters, Kate, Jane and Grace, who have all on occasion worked behind the bar at Murray’s.

From the front of the building, you would never know of the wonderful treats that hide within. With three screens for matches, dart boards, ring boards and hidden corners for private chats, the main bar caters for all-comers - on occasion even a couple of Irish wolfhounds reside here.

But, when you head through the hall, the essence of why this place is so popular becomes evident.

First of all, there is the Liverpool Lounge dedicated to the soccer team. This is full of football posters, jerseys, and even a banner from the Champions League final from 2005, bought in Istanbul on the night of the game, brought over on the ferry, and gifted to the Murrays.

Beyond that, and through a door, lies the function room where the magic of music comes to life.

‘The Boss’ and ‘Mother’ built the room in the early 1980s and used it for parties, christenings, and sports events.

Denis says the room can comfortably hold 100 people, and with the back yard open, they can hold many more, but they prefer to keep the numbers small.

“I’d hate for anyone to have to wait for a drink or have to queue for the loo, that’s not what these night are about,” he says.

Around the walls hang the signed posters of the musicians that have graced the stage here on any given Sunday.

Many legends have sung their hits here, and as Brian Kennedy, who had just come back from a tour in the UK entertaining thousands at each gig, once said: “Murray’s is a venue that lets you be a proper working musician as the intimacy with the smaller numbers makes it very special.”

Go through the back doors of the pub to the outside space, and there’s a food truck that is run by Rob and Roland from the local fish shop every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening.

Denis says it was Paul Linehan from Cork band The Frank And Walters who started the musical nights.

He had been in the area at the music festival and rang Denis to see if he would be interested in an acoustic gig in Murray’s. Denis says he thought it was a joke at first!

Paul put him in touch with Justin Forbes, who is a sound engineer, and Sam Creedon, who is a graphic designer, who did the posters and banners.

The first gig was a huge success. Musicians love the venue and are eager to get booked into Murray’s at any chance they get.

“A gig is held every 4-6 weeks as we don’t want to overkill the idea and it keeps people eager to see who’s coming next!” explains Denis.

Tickets sell out fairly quickly, and that’s the way they like it to be.

“We use POWERTIK to sell the tickets as they are a bit cheaper than the bigger companies so that makes the night out easier for people,” adds Denis.

“If the ticket prices cover the expenses and the musician, then I’m happy to take the bar.”

What else is going on in Murray’s?

“There’s the Cork and Kerry Manchester United fans meetings are held here,” says Denis.

“You have the Macroom games night from 6pm to 9pm on Wednesdays, and there’s always a dart match or something happening.

“We have groups for after-wedding parties, football match celebrations, sports meetings, soccer club lotto draws... you name it.”

How has the pub trade changed over recent times?

“People need a reason to come out,” offers Denis. “They might stay at home for a glass or two of wine but they’ll come out to see a band or attend something, they need a reason.”

Will one of his girls take over the reins at Murray’s in time to come?

“No. They don’t have the interest,” replies Denis.

“It’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle.

“There a few pubs in the town that have closed and at least two are selling up at the moment.

“It’s a hard trade to be in at the moment.”

Even with the growing population in Macroom?

“It makes very little difference,” adds Denis.

“They’re coming home from work and their money is used to pay rent or mortgages so they’re not heading to the pub very often.”

But they have loyal customers?

“The best!” says Denis. “We keep an eye on one another. If one of our regulars is on the missing list, we’ll call to make sure they’re all right.

“We have fellas that come in for a drink that had their Communions out the back when the boss and mother were in charge.”

Who’s entertaining us next at Murray’s?

“We have an amazing Oasis tribute band here on Sunday, August 23, that are brilliant. Those tickets are on sale now for anyone that’s interested. Again, we’ll keep the number to around 100.”

Will he look to expand in the future?

“Maybe a few more bands next summer, outdoor gigs on a Sunday, maybe even a music festival,” says Denis.

Finally, has he any other nicknames to share with us?

“Yes! Our full-time staff member who has been with us for 25 years is Billy Murphy but he’ll only answer to Bilzo!”

Murray’s Bar in Macroom opens at 5pm during the week, and 12.30pm on Sundays.

Check them out on Facebook and Instagram. Tickets for upcoming gigs are available on POWERTIK.