Kennedys of Rearcross celebrate 60 years
There's a big weekend coming up at Kennedy's of Rearcross as the local family celebrate the 60th anniversary of their much-loved village shop and pub.
A mainstay of local community co-operation and mutual support, Kennedy's was bought by the late Tom Kennedy of Foilduff in 1957. The shop and pub have served the community for generations, with previous owners including the Careys, Hacketts and Murphys.
Tom's son Rody has been running the premises with his wife Ann since 1990. Many changes have been made over the decades, including the adding on of a lounge along with general revamping works.
But Kennedy's remains unique in that it is one of the few places where customers can still avail of the shop while in the pub. Opening at eight o'clock every morning, the shop stocks everything from a mouse trap to a clothes peg. It is attached to the pub, and customers often collect a few groceries on their way home; it is not uncommon for a pound of ham to be sold at midnight!
Serving a wide rural catchment, the pub has weathered times thick and thin over the years. It is continuing to do well, largely thanks to the many and varied events organised by the Kennedys, including regular live music, barbeques and parties. Every kind of function - from milestone birthday parties to the afters of weddings and funerals - is held at the pub, which was also famed for the Communion parties organised annually by Rody's mother Breda Kennedy, who sadly passed away last year.
Kennedy's has also been the home of many a well-supported fundraising event over the years, the pub long being a centrepoint of community activity. Grateful for the loyalty of their customers, the local family is always happy to support their community in whatever way they can.
The Kennedys are particularly proud to have sponsored the local soccer team for more than 30 years. They have also strongly supported Sean Treacy's GAA Club.
As they now celebrate a milestone birthday of their own, Kennedy's of Rearcross took the opportunity to thank all of their customers for their continued support over the years. Ann and Rody said they are looking forward to welcoming all to their homely hostelry for many more years to come.
And all are of course most welcome to join in the 60th celebrations this weekend, when there will be a trad session in the pub on Friday night, September 29th (all musicians welcome); music by the Stone Throwers on Saturday night, September 30th; and music with Martin Byrnes & Friends on Sunday (October 1st) from 5.30pm.
Visit the Kennedy's Bar Rearcross Facebook page for information about upcoming events and contact (062) 79104 for more information.