‘Not the end of an era’
The owner of The Thatched Cottage in Ballycommon has said people can look forward to seeing the popular bar and restaurant reopening in the near future.
Sadness greeted an announcement on Facebook last weekend that ‘The Thatch’ is to close on March 1. Tony and Kathleen Donlan wrote that they had taken the “difficult decision to step back” from the hostelry. They expressed hope that new operators would take it on and run the Thatch with the same degree of care they have done for the last 18 years.
Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Donlan said it is not his intention to put the property up for sale but to refurbish it and lease it out. He said he does not have the time to give the business what it deserves.
“I want somebody with the energy and ability to take it over,” Mr Donlan said.
He assured that there would be no issue with staff being paid and he hoped that most of them would be re-employed at the Thatch again when it reopens. He said it is realistic to expect that the reopening could happen in the current year.
“I won’t let the dust settle on it,” Mr Donlan said of The Thatched Cottage. “It’s not the end of an era by any manner – it’s the start of another.”
ICONIC COTTAGE
Renowned for its rustic charm, Mr Donlan bought the iconic nineteenth century cottage and restored it after it had suffered extensive damage in a fire.
He also acquired the shop across the road, and developed new houses in the village; he has plans for more houses that are held up by a wastewater treatment plant impasse.
“I have no intention of leaving Ballycommon,” said Mr Donlan, who has played a key role in rejuvenating several other sites around north Tipperary.
“I’ve put a lot of effort into Ballycommon.”
Posting on Facebook, he and his wife Kathleen mentioned that any gift vouchers yet to be redeemed for The Thatched Cottage will stand until the closure on March 1.
“After 18 incredible years, we have made the difficult decision to step back from The Thatched Cottage,” they wrote.
“While we may not have been behind the bar or in the kitchen each day, this place has been a huge part of our lives.
“We have had the privilege of watching it grow, evolve, and become a space where people gathered for celebrations, laughter, music and community.”
AMAZING TEAMS AND LOYAL CUSTOMERS
“We are so proud of the amazing teams - past and present - who brought it to life every day. Your hard work, loyalty and heart are what truly made it special.
“To our loyal customers and the wider community, thank you for your continued support over the last 18 years - you are the reason it became more than just a business.
“As we close this chapter, we do so with a full heart and deep gratitude. We truly hope the future owners/operators who take it on will care and love for it as much as we have, bearing in mind they will be inheriting a well-established productive business. If they get half as much fun and enjoyment as we have had, they will have achieved a lot.”
The message attracted many comments expressing sadness at the closure, and also praising the management and staff of The Thatched Cottage for their service over the years.