Fond memories of Cannon's Bar in Castlebar as auction date is announced
As announced earlier today, Victor Mee Auctions, the renowned Cavan based auction house, has been consigned to auction the contents of one of Mayo's most esteemed, legendary and beloved pubs, Cannon's of Castlebar.
In an interview with RSVP Live, TV presenter Lisa Cannon, whose grandparents Eddie and Hannah Cannon ran the pub, waxes lyrical about her Mayo roots, particularly, her affinity for her family's much-loved pub on Market Square.
“I have a great affiliation with the town. I’m very proud of the pub and our heritage. It was very much a country pub with a relaxed atmosphere and it was full of joy and jovial memories.”
Cannon's closed in 1989, much to the collective chagrin of locals who frequented and revered the establishment and its proprietors, Eddie and Hannah Cannon and later, Eddie's son Michael Cannon.
Nicknamed 'The Academy', thanks to Eddie's superb intellect and extensive library, Cannon's was said to be a “popular meeting place for saints, scholars, political commentators, poets and philosophers,” who would prop up the bar to engage in discussion and debate, upholding the pubs glowing reputation as a poor mans university, 'The Academy'.
Cannons hasn’t been open in years. Its façade, however, remains pristine, a testament to the devotion the Cannon family have for their Academy in the West. The pub even retains its licence. Inside, it is a window into bygone days. Merriment and wild tales told by patrons ooze from the walls, adorned with rare enamel signage, photographs and memorabilia.
Lisa Cannon, a familiar face on Irish TV screens for some 20 years, still has fond memories of the pub when it was open to the public.
“Many people would have grown up with my grandfather's pub. The old Irish pub tradition is very much an important part of our culture and our heritage. It’s one of the most important establishments in County Mayo. It really has that uniqueness, everybody knows the pub. Generations have grown up there.”
And so it is, no doubt, bittersweet for the Cannon family to put into motion the auction of the contents of the pub. On one hand, so admirable and respectful to the iconic history to preserve the contents so devotedly. On the other, it seems a shame to not have it seen and appreciated.
Some of the top lots set to appear include a stunning Sir John Powers Irish Whiskey pub mirror, a magnificent collection of early 20th century enamel advertising signs, a McConnells Irish whiskey dispenser, a Goodbodys Irish Roll Tobacco advertising mirror, a collection of early 20th century Irish whiskey and an early 20th century petrol pump.