20/12/2023
It may have come as a surprise to our friends, loyal customers, and the general public, that we have decided to put “McDonnell’s Bar”- “The Lobster Pot” on the public market, and this post is a means of acknowledging this.
This decision has been considered over the last two years and as you may understand it was a very difficult one to make.
This establishment has been in the family for the last 82 years and at this stage, this seems like an unthinkable thing to do.
Established by Elizabeth and Michael McDonnell in 1942 there has been many ups and downs, especially in the loss of their only son Gustie in 1966 who has been remembered and mentioned by many of our dear customers over the years.
Mrs McDonnell often said that she would never have coped without the many good and faithful friends that frequented the premised during their time of difficulty. Mrs McDonnell and her husband Michael left a lasting and noble legacy. A tradition that was followed by their son in law Paddy who sadly passed away in 2021, who we all miss so dearly.
They say, "family businesses do not pass the third generation” and in this case it seems it may not. After a long and arduous contemplation with my beloved mother Mary, who was born and reared in this very building, it was decided that it might be the most advantageous decision for us as a family to make.
At this point, we would like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many families and friends in our beloved Erris community who have supported and given us the wonderful opportunity to serve them over many decades. People from the four corners of this wonderful county of Mayo, our emigrants and tourists from all corners of the globe who visited us on their journey and most importantly to all the staff members of the past and to this present day, for all your hardwork and friendship over the years. We would like to thank you all from the deepest chambers of our hearts for all the support, loyalty and kindness over the years.
You will never know the terrain unless you take the journey and as a well-known proverb goes “It’s not over until the Fat Lady Sings."
For now we as a family want to acknowledge our recent news in this post and take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas, and a Healthy New Year ahead!
Míle Buíochas,
Mary, Pádraig, Marian, Maria, Patrick, Laura, Seán, Eilís and the extended McDonnell and Conroy Families.
🎄Entertainment this Festive Season in McDonnell's Bar 🎄
