The Pubs of Cork: We’re 5th generation to run this pub... the locals are the backbone

It’s funny how history repeats itself. In the garden of Geary’s Bar in Charleville, where Claude Gough and his sister Corina sported and played as children, Claude’s own children are now enjoying playing in the same sunny spot.

“Corina and I are the fifth generation running the pub,” says Claude, who is still beaming after Geary’s in the town’s Main Street was judged the best bar in Munster in this years’ Bar of the Year Awards.

“Winning the award meant a lot to us and to our community,” adds Claude, who began his career as a publican here collecting glasses and stocking shelves.

“We got used to the trade from a very young age,” adds Claude. He breaks off to ask his son, Iarlaith: “What do you always carry with you when you’re in here in here?”

“A notebook,” Iarlaith replies. “And I put a pencil in my hair.

Why so?

“In case somebody wants to order something,” says the young man.

His sister, Lilídh, is still a bit young to be part of the long line of family members who always did good business on Main Street.

“Corina and I took the pub over from our mother, Mary,” says Claude, who has been behind the bar for 35 years. Mary handed down all the skills she had perfected for Geary’s to continue to mark its place in the community.

“We learned so much from mam,” says Claude.

“The local characters who frequented the pub were always the life-force of the place. Not much has changed over the years.

“Our family lived here in this two-storey building, where there was a kitchen and a sitting room adjoining the bar. We could always hear the buzz and conversation of the customers from our bedrooms upstairs.

“Over the years we added on and developed the business.”

Geary’s Bar has a long history.

“It has been at the heart of Charleville for over 250 years,” says Claude. “Serving not just as a pub, but as a true meeting place for the local community.”

How did it achieve that status?

“We believe that a great local pub is built on atmosphere, familiarity, consistency, and connection. To this day, that is what we deliver,” says Claude.

Young and old mix together in the pub and chat away together.

“The licence was obtained in 1790. Being part of such a long lineage is a privilege, and it is very rewarding,” says Claude.

He and Corina enjoy repeat custom.

“People living abroad and who come home to Charleville to visit family always come in here to meet up,” says Claude.

“Families come in to celebrate happy occasions, like birthdays, christenings, graduations. It is all about connection with people and caring for people.

“Like all communities, we’ve lost some good people in recent times who were part of the family in good times and in bad times.”

Matches bring many good times to the pub.

“At Geary’s Bar, the match is more than simply showing sport on television,” says Claude. “It is about creating an atmosphere, an occasion, and a shared experience that brings people together.

“From the build-up before kick-off to the conversations long after the final whistle, our pub becomes a vibrant social hub where customers fully immerse themselves in the excitement of live sport.

“We had members of the Munster rugby team in here at Christmas. They stayed a good hour. We never expected them.”

Claude was in his element then.

“I am a hurling man and a big rugby man,” he says.

“We were extremely busy one night when a Premier League match was on TV,” says Claude. “The man changing the kegs seemed to be gone a long time. He was gone unnoticed for a long time.”

Until?

“Until I discovered that he had fainted!”

He came to in good spirits.

“We all had a great laugh about the incident when we knew all was well,” says Claude.

The Coronas played a set in Geary’s Bar and Nathan Carter had a few pints here on his way to a gig.

“Nathan was here six or seven weeks ago,” says Claude.

“We had Michael D. in here too. He was very interested in the history of the pub going back the years.”

What did the Gough clan and their customers think of Dublin rock band, The Coronas?

“They were amazing,” says Claude.

You can make yourself at home in Geary’s Bar.

“And when Nathan was here, he went behind the bar and filled his own pint!”

The team of 22 staff who work in Geary’s were gobsmacked. “Nathan was the business!” says Niamh Gammell, who is serving customers with their lunch chosen from an extensive all-day menu.

Niamh will be missed.

“She did really well in her Leaving Cert exams,” says Claude. “Next month she’s off to teacher training college.”

Did Nathan Carter view the outside stage for future reference when he popped in?

“He was well impressed!” says Claude. “Here we have live music, quizzes, community gatherings, match preview nights, and entertainment events throughout the year. Our bond with local musicians is fantastic.”

What did covid mean to Geary’s Bar?

“A lot of cleaning!” says Claude laughing.

“And a lot of soul-searching, thinking about business going forward.”

Claude and Corina are in it together.

“We are very lucky to have each other,” says Claude. “And Corina’s kids are good to help out when needed.

The siblings have a good way of working together.

“We delegate!” says Claude.

Do they have their differences?

“Corina and I have great rows!” laughs Claude. “We can be like cats and dogs.

“But, you see, we both love the business and we always do what is best for the pub and the people.”

Do they quibble about the long hours involved in the pub business?

“You know, I am a glass half-full person,” says Claude.

“The pub almost becomes your identity. On the Main Street we know every second door. The locals are our backbone.

“We always look out for our older customers in case they are in trouble.

“And we keep an eye on anyone who may be causing trouble!”

The North Cork town isn’t too far from Limerick and I recall the last time I passed by Geary’s, the Limerick flag was flying high alongside the Cork flag.

Where is it today?

“We had to take it down for the time being,” says Claude diplomatically.

“The Cork-Limerick rivalry is unique. They are both superpowers. The banter and cráic in the pub between the two counties is always up to 90, as you can imagine.

“Being so near Limerick, we get a lot of Limerick GAA people in here.”

Pat Moloney, having a pint at the bar, is a Limerick man.

But he has red and white ties to the Rebel County too.

“I was in the army,” says Pat.

“I worked in Collins’ Barracks. Cork is great.”

Claude proudly shows me around the premises and tells me all about each part. But he is a busy man. He is getting married next month!

What about the stag party?

“I think it might be rugby-related!” says Claude.