Popular Mayo bar set to celebrate 100 year anniversary this weekend

A Mayo bar is set to celebrate its 100 year anniversary this weekend with members of the community expected to gather in the hotspot of Shrule for a weekend of celebration. 

TJ Gibbons’ bar is located in the proud Mayo village of Shrule although it lies just a stone’s throw from the Galway border as the Black River flows nearby.

In the modern era, it has been exceptionally difficult for bars and restaurants to maintain a positive business trade with the rising costs of so many variants but Gibbons’ bar in Shrule is a credit to the local community and more importantly, to the Gibbons family as it has been running for 100 years with members of the family managing the establishment for that historic length. 

Although the pub is situated in a quiet local village, it is well supported by members of the community and also by those in neighbouring villages such as Caherlistrane, although that area is located in the County of the Tribes where plenty of Mayo and Galway banter is exchanged during the GAA inter-county season.

READ MORE: Five men who could be the next Mayo boss

The original Gibbons’ bar was established by TJ Gibbons. His son Jack continued in his footsteps when he took it over in 1966. After operating a successful trade, Jack’s wife Bernadette made sure the family tradition continued as the establishment was moved on to Ronan, who would be a grandson of the original founder Jack. 

On Christmas Day 2022, Ronan Gibbons, the man that ran the bar with great effect for the last twenty years suddenly died after a shock heart attack. This was a massive shock to all, especially his wife Lorraine and two young kids, Kelly and Michael. Ronan was also a hugely popular man in the community with this year’s Ronan Gibbons Memorial Cup game taking place as Shrule/Glencorrib went toe to toe with neighbours Caherlistrane in a GAA match. Ronan’s legacy will live on forever.

Since then, Ronan’s wife, Lorraine has continued in his legacy as she proudly operates the running of the popular pub with a great team of workers as well with family chipping in. The pub continues to do a great trade today, even after the 100 years of its founding. 

This weekend, Gibbons’ bar will celebrate its 100 year anniversary with live music on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There will also be a barbecue on Saturday at 7pm with all invited to come along and celebrate this milestone.

READ MORE: Popular Mayo late bar to close its doors after 23 years