A small Gaeltacht community on Co Kerry's Iveragh peninsula is attempting to purchase the only pub in their remote valley.
Located in the parish of Dromaid, the Inny Tavern has been for sale for over two years but a purchaser has yet to be found.
Fearing the loss of an essential social hub, a local community committee, Forbairt na Dromada, is hoping to purchase the pub through a combination of mortgage finance and fundraising.
Situated on the banks of the river Uíne which weaves its way through sweeping boglands, the Inny Tavern in Dromaid was first opened by current Kerry football manager Jack O’Connor, along with his brother Mike in 1989.
The Tavern has been in the hands of Humphrey O’Connor since 1996.
Humphrey and his wife Noreen have decided to retire and have been attempting to sell the rural pub for the last two years.
With fears growing that the community might lose its only pub, the local community committee is attempting to purchase the Inny Tavern and maintain it as a social hub.
The committee has secured mortgage approval but there is a €100,000 shortfall between the mortgage the committee can sustain and the agreed sale price.
Forbairt na Dromada is hoping to bridge the gap by initiating an online fundraising campaign.
Emir Ní Mhurchú of Forbairt na Dromada says the committee has plans to maintain the existing pub but also to expand facilities and services there.
The pub is situated on the Kerry Way walking route so there is great potential to develop accommodation and glamping facilities on the two-acre site.
Local man Mícheál Ó hAilíosa said the pub is vital to the survival of the remote community.
"For decades this area has suffered from severe depopulation, emigration and lack of services. In recent years, because of broadband and remote working we have seen people returning and newcomers moving in," he said.
"There is great hope here for the future and this is our only social gathering place. It’s crucial that we keep it open. Otherwise we’re heading back to the gloomy days of the 1980s," Mr Ó hAilíosa added.
Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin says the Inny Tavern is part of the fabric of the place and central to the well-being of the community.
"Especially for older folk and people that live alone in the valleys around here, it’s so important that they have a place like this to come to and meet people. The nearest alternative is miles away in Waterville or Cahersiveen and you can’t get a taxi here.
"This is where the community comes together for all social events, after football matches, baptisms, dance nights. Everybody meets here. It’s essential that we do everything possible to keep it here."
