Official re-opening of Noonan’s Pub in Ballingarry

At a time when pubs are closing in their droves, and the social scene in rural areas is supposedly on its knees, a carpenter from Ballingarry has taken a significant leap of business faith to resurrect his local pub.

Following six long years without the noise of laughter or glasses clinking, the official re-opening of Noonan’s Pub took place recently. Tipperary U20 hurling manager, Brendan Cummins, was the guest of honour on the night in Ballingarry, North Tipperary. He and the James Nowlan Cup were well received by the people of Knockshegowna and the surrounding parishes.

Noonan’s had been closed since the late great Jim Noonan lost his battle with cancer in 2019. Jim’s wife, Patricia ‘Patsy’ Noonan, also worked in the pub, but she too was tragically taken by cancer just two years after her husband.

Jim’s nephew, Alan King, of King Agri Sales bought the premises in 2021, and it was his thoughtful actions in the intervening years which ensured that his cousin, Richard King, did not have a major renovation job to complete upon receiving the keys of the cosy rural pub earlier this year.

He recalled “It hadn’t deteriorated badly over the years because Alan kept the heating on and the place aired out, meaning there wasn’t a huge reconstruction job needed when I was handed the keys.”

If there had been major interior renovations needed, it wouldn’t have phased new proprietor, Richard ‘Dusty’ King, as he is a carpenter by trade. Indeed, given his complete lack of experience in the industry, he is taking a significant leap of faith by entering the pub trade, especially at a time when the narrative on the national news is that the rural pub scene is on its last legs.

Family and Legacy

Richard, or ‘Dusty’ as he is affectionately known by most, is not alone in his mission to resurrect this rural pub; also in his corner are his partner, Nikki, his sister, Aoife, and his father, Jimmy, who were all working behind the bar on the night of the official re-opening. Dusty’s mother, Eleanor, also does what she can to help: “My mother cooks the finger food and does the cleaning for us too when she can, which is a massive help.”

Despite being called Noonan’s, there has always been a ‘King’ presence in the pub: “Patsy’s maiden name was King; the pub has always been in my family, and I wanted to continue that.”

When asked if there was ever any temptation to change the name of the iconic pub, King was quick to nip that question in the bud: “No way; it was never in my mind to change the name, it was always known as Noonans.”

The new proprietor also underlined the importance of Jim Noonan in the history of Ballingarry, and indeed the need to honour and remember his kind-hearted legacy: “Jim and Patsy were gentle souls; everyone was welcome and greeted with a friendly smile. Noonan’s has always been a place where you could enjoy a friendly, cosy pint, and I endeavour to continue that legacy.

The proprietor thanked all who have supported them so far, and along with the staff, they wished everyone a peaceful new year.