Much-loved Macroom nightclub to close its doors

A NIGHTCLUB is closing its doors in Macroom tomorrow night for the last time, after more than 30 years in business.

O'Riada's nightclub is being closed because of a change in the night-time economy, according to its manager Mary Rose Shanahan.

She said the popularity of late bars, high insurance costs, high bar extension fees and drink driving legislation have all combined to make it difficult to continue trading.

She ran the venue with her aunt, Rose Shanahan, who has owned the premises for over a decade.

She said: “It is heartbreaking – we are very upset. We are devastated.” 

She continued: “Ten years ago, nightclubs were booming. But pub culture has taken over and we were competing against late bars.” 

She pointed out that people were coming to the nightclub after late bars had closed, meaning that the nightclub was relying on the last hour of trading for the majority of its business.

She added that bar extension costs have also had an impact, costing €410 for each Saturday night. And she said insurance costs are also a difficult element of trading for nightclubs.

The cost of insurance for entertainment including pubs, clubs and activity centres and festivals has emerged as a significant problem in the past year.

The closure was announced on the nightclub's Facebook page: “This weekend we will close our doors for the last time.. come join us one last time and share with us on Facebook your favourite memories from O’Riada’s Nightclub. Thank you all for the memories and support.” 

After tonight, the Shanahans will be exploring all options on what they can do with the premises.

Mary Rose said that some staff have worked at the venue for more than 20 years. The longest serving member of staff is head bouncer Con Murphy, who has worked there for 29 years.

One poster on the club's Facebook page wrote: “Did one of my first DJ gigs in O Riadas back in 98 thanks for the opportunity hopefully it might rise from the ashes again sometime.” 

Another wrote: “Many many a good night had in the place sad to see it close.”