A Southill shebeen in Limerick city continues to operate despite three raids by An Garda Síochána.
Jimmy Woulfe, Mid-West Correspondent with the Irish Examiner describes his visit to the infamous Limerick drinking spot, located in a large shed to the rear of Francis Kelly's home in Lilac Court, Southill.
The shebeen, described as a private club, is nicknamed 'My Mother's' and accessed via a lane-way at the back of the Kelly’s house. The space is decorated exactly like a pub and is well stocked with a wide range of drink, although the wine selection is poor.
While Jimmy Woulfe met 12 men drinking in the shebeen, including wheelchair bound Eddie Casey, who is soon to be provided with a wheelchair accessible toilet.
And because it's sort of on private property the guests or customers or whatever you'd call them were able smoke away to their hearts content.
Francis Kelly plans to take legal action against An Garda Síochána for the closure of his pub and to have the drink seized in the three raids returned to him.
He claims anyway that there is no money exchanging hands on the premises.
Francis Kelly says the people drinking in his shed are his friends and they pool together and buy their own drinks from the supermarket. A beer in the local pub costs €4.60 whereas in the pooling system, the same drink costs just €1.00 and can be enjoyed with friends in the shebeen.
One of those Jimmy met pointed out that Francis Kelly having a bar in his home was no different to former Taoiseach Charles Haughey having a bar on his own private property. However the guards think otherwise and are keeping a close eye on the situation believing there is evidence to suggest the shebeen is in breach of the Intoxicating Liquor Act.
A 'Morning Ireland' report broadcast on 17 April 2008. The presenter is Áine Lawlor.
