{"id":658716,"date":"2026-10-18T20:34:37","date_gmt":"2026-10-18T20:34:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/658716\/"},"modified":"2026-10-18T20:34:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-18T20:34:37","slug":"in-pictures-marty-morrissey-does-the-honours-at-the-official-opening-of-oconnells-in-cullohill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/658716\/","title":{"rendered":"In Pictures: Marty Morrissey does the honours at the official opening of O’Connell’s in Cullohill"},"content":{"rendered":"

The landmark, longstanding family pub which was once at the centre of the local community, switched its lights off at the outset of the Covid pandemic and was put up for sale by the owners William and David O\u2019Connell.\n<\/p>\n

\nIt has been run by the O\u2019Connell family since 1917 and as well as a public house served as a rural hub for groceries, petrol, a post-office and even a grain depot at one point.<\/p>\n

It was here in later years the roots of the food legacy of Ballymaloe were sown, as Darina Allen and her brother Rory O\u2019Connell learned their passion for food from their mother Elizabeth who was widowed at an early age.\n<\/p>\n

And now the pub has been lovingly restored to its former glory, respecting and recognising the legacy of the O\u2019 Connell family by the new owners Anne Marie and John Scanlan.<\/p>\n

The new premises has had a complete make-over, designed to keep the family tradition in mind with wood panelling from the original bar incorporated into the brand-new venue. The project caught the imagination of social media garnering millions of views on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.\n<\/p>\n

The project, which includes four ensuite boutique guest rooms was partly funded to the tune of \u20ac290,000 through F\u00e1ilte Ireland\u2019s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme, which is co-funded by the EU and the Government of Ireland under the EU Just Transition fund.<\/p>\n

Established in partnership with the EU the scheme is aims to diversify the regional economy through sustainable tourism development, creating jobs, supporting biodiversity and sustaining local communities across eight counties in Ireland\u2019s Midlands.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThe funding considerably enhanced our ability to develop the tourist accommodation. O\u2019Connell\u2019s Bar & Kitchen and Guest accommodation is also providing employment in the area and has brought life back to the village of Cullohill,\u201d said Anne Marie Scanlan.<\/p>\n

\nSince completion, O\u2019Connell\u2019s Bar and Kitchen, the emphasis has been on home produced Irish food.<\/p>\n

Under the watchful eye of Chef Danny Parker, Roland, Kiara and Michelle Spenser, the team at O\u2019Connell\u2019s have hit upon a winning formula and not only is it now a destination to stop and dine, but it has also become a place for the community and locals to meet up and celebrate those special moments.
\n\"\"Jack and Sheila Scanlan (O\u2019Connell\u2019s) with Marty Morrissey at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"Marty Morrissey with Elaine Moore (Laois County Council Tourism Officer) at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey\n<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to thank everyone for their input since John and I started on this journey.<\/p>\n

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\u201cNow after all the hard work has been done and we are completely up and running, we are delighted to officially open O\u2019Connell\u2019s Bar and Kitchen and proud to offer the rich hospitality and food that it was renowned for.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I can\u2019t think of anyone better than the wonderful Marty Morrissey to turn the lights back open after its closure in 2019 and declare O\u2019Connell\u2019s Bar and Kitchen and Guest Accommodation officially open!\u2019 added Anne Marie.
\n\"\"Members of the Cullohill 1964 Laois Senior Hurling Championship winning team, who defeated Camross with a score of 4\u201304 to 4\u201303 in the final on November 29, 1964, Paddy Mahony, Paddy Campion, Jimmy Mahony and Martin Mahony pictured with Anne Marie Scanlan (O\u2019Connell\u2019s) and Marty Morrissey at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey\n<\/p>\n

Welcoming the launch of the project Head of Just Transition, F\u00e1ilte Ireland Gr\u00e1inne Cornally said: \u201cThe opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s Bar and Kitchen and Guest Accommodation is a significant milestone for Cullohill and an excellent example of how investment through F\u00e1ilte Ireland\u2019s Regenerative Tourism and Placemaking Scheme is helping to rejuvenate historic tourism assets back into use.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cThis project\u2019s updated accessible offering will strengthen the tourism offering in Laois, encouraging more visitors to spend more time in the area and support the local economy.
\n\"\"Darina Allen (Ballymaloe Cookery School) with Kathleen O\u2019Sullivan, O\u2019Connell family members, John and Anne Marie Scanlan (O\u2019Connell\u2019s), Marty Morrissey, and Grainne Cornally (Head of Just Transition Failte Ireland) at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey\n<\/p>\n

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\n\"\"School friends, Jimmy Kells with Darina Allen (Ballymaloe Cookery School), and Kathleen O\u2019Sullivan at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey\n<\/p>\n

\u201cAcross the Midland\u2019s this scheme is supporting projects that build on the distinctive character and heritage of local communities while creating new opportunities for tourism businesses to thrive.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cO\u2019Connell\u2019s Bar & Kitchen is a wonderful example of a project that is now delivering those benefits for visitors, residents and the wider community.\u201d
\n\"\"Owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan, at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill. Photo: Julie Harvey\n<\/p>\n

Clare Bannon, Director of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly, said: \u201cThe restoration of O\u2019Connell\u2019s Bar & Kitchen shows how a locally led initiative funded through EU Programmes such as the EU Just Transition Fund can deliver benefits far beyond its immediate setting.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cBy bringing a valued community landmark back into use, creating employment and expanding the visitor offering in Cullohill, this project will encourage people to spend more time in Laois and support businesses across the wider Midlands.
\n\"\"Marty Morrissey, with Jack, John and Anne Maire Scanlan (O\u2019Connell\u2019s), Minister Peter Burke (Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment), and Sheila Scanlan at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey\n<\/p>\n

\u201cInvestments such as this strengthen the region\u2019s tourism network, celebrate its distinctive heritage and help build resilient communities as we move towards a fair and sustainable economic transition.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

Elaine Moore, Tourism Officer,Laois County Council, said: \u201cThe opening of this business is a significant addition to the Tourism offering in South Laois and the county in general.\n<\/p>\n

\u201cIt not only creates local employment opportunities but restores an important focal points for the community of this area.
\n\"\"Anne Marie and Jack Scanlan with Minister Peter Burke (Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment), and TD William Aird at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey\n<\/p>\n

\u201cSupported by the EU Just Transition Fund, O\u2019Connell\u2019s Bar & Kitchen is an excellent example of the type of sustainable economic and community development that the fund was designed to support, creating new opportunities for employment, tourism and local regeneration\u201d.
\n\"\"Johnny Holland and Larry Phelan with Marty Morrissey at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan.
Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"Angela Hogan with Sheila Scanlan (O\u2019Connell\u2019s) and Marty Morrissey, at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan.
Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"Chef Dan Parker with Darren Burke (Kish Fish), at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan.
Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"Una O\u2019Connell at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan.
Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"Grainne Jacob, at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan.
Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"Brian Sugrue with Angela Hogan, Shawna Coxon, Yvonne and Eamonn Curley at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"Angela McEvoy (Director of Services Laois County Council) with Padraig Fleming, at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"Brian and Majella Dempsey at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"Margaret Brislane with John Scanlan (O\u2019Connells), Seamus Brislane and Richie Brislane at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"Margaret Gorman, with Josephine Bergin, Norah Quinlan and Olivia Leonard at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"Anne Fitzpatrick with Marty Morrissey, Annette Foyle and Shirley Bergin at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"The Kirby Family with Marty Morrissey at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"Susan Lawlor with Bernie White, at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"Elaine Moore (Tourism Officer); John Mulholland, Simon Walton, Director of Services LCC; Cllr Conor Bergin, Cllr Ollie Clooney and Cllr John King at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"Grainne Cornally (Head of Just Transition Failte Ireland) with Anne Marie and John Scanlan (O\u2019Connell\u2019s), Elaine Moore (Laois County Council Tourism Officer) and Angela McEvoy (Director of Services Laois County Council), at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan.
Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"Sheila Scanlan with Marian Mahony, Nancy Phelan and Anne Marie Scanlan (O\u2019Connell\u2019s) at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey
\n\"\"Paddy Campion with Tony McGuigan and Marty Morrissey at the official opening of O\u2019Connell\u2019s in Cullohill, hosted by owners John and Anne Marie Scanlan. Photo: Julie Harvey\n<\/p>\n