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Sunday World

Rogers boozer is the king in Monaghan's Castleblayney with pints of stout at just €5.40

Our Commandos loved the proper pints and banter in this Monaghan boozer ​The Old Commando was delighted to be visiting Castleblayney for the first time in over a decade, but he was intrigued as to how the locals would be feeling following Monaghan's Ulster quarter final defeat to Donegal. 'They did better than I expected,' one of our Commandos said, as our designated driver joined the N53 coming into Castleblayney town. 'I thought Donegal would give them a good hammering,' he added. 'What Monaghan wouldn't give to have another like Nudie Hughes playing,' the Old Commando replied, as he pointed to the large mural of the former Castleblayney Faughs All-Star. 'Now there was a great player.' Our driver parked the pub-mobile a few moments later, having completed a lap of the town – and it surprised us how many pubs are still operating in the area. We decided to pick Rogers Bar as our port of call. The blue exterior is attractive and the large Monaghan GAA flag in the front window was all the invitation the Old Commando needed to pick this spot — he knew he would worm his way into a GAA debate eventually! We were greeted by a big sign on the front door advising us that this pub only accepts cash and no cards can be used for payment, so the Young Commando was thrilled as he knew the Old Commando is the only one of the crew who still carries cash. 'I told you before to put your card on to your phone, now you're going to get stung with paying for every round,' the Young Commando goaded his older colleague. 'Despite the Government's best efforts, cash will always be king,' the Old Commando jokingly replied. 'At least Rogers tell you at the front door, I often got stung after ordering a pint to find out they don't take cards,' another of our Commandos chimed in. There was a very mannerly and polite barman on duty when Pub Spy and the team arrived and he was working alone for the duration of our stay. He was constantly on the move as he engaged with some of the older clientele who were seated near the electric stove, but ensured that nobody was left sitting or standing waiting for a pint. The pints of Guinness cost €5.40 and along with the usual line up of drinks they also have Tuborg, Birra Moretti and Orchard Thieves on draught. The clientele was predominately middle aged to elderly men, with pints of stout and Coors lining the counter and an occasional short in between pints. We really enjoyed the atmosphere as the locals debated the two point defeat to Donegal last week and what had gone wrong, but more importantly what they would have done to make things better. The barstool fan knows all! We counted four TVs, with the Snooker World Championships on one, while there is a pool table, jukebox and a gaming machine in the lower second section of the pub. The chequered barstools were all in good condition as was the pub in general. It wouldn't be a Monaghan pub if there wasn't a photograph of the senior football team that won the National League title in 1985, and this can be found just inside the front door where there's also a sign advising patrons that nobody gets out sober. We wouldn't even dare. The Young Commando inspected the toilets and reported back that they were small but clean with a ceramic urinal and one cubicle, but that the lock was broken. This should be fixed immediately. We really enjoyed our time in Rogers Bar, with good quality porter and a friendly barman who had a kind word for everyone. Keep up the good work. Rating: Three pints out of Five One for the road: The Old Coach Inn – Castleblayney Pub Spy promised he would return to The Old Coach Inn – but he didn't expect it to take 13 years. We had visited this boozer in 2012 and the Commandos enjoyed their visit, vowing to return. Unfortunately the pints of stout are no longer €3.60, but they were tasty and well received by the Old Commando. The barman on duty, who we think was named Martin, was an experienced professional and tended to every customer during our stay. Guinness Zero is also available on draught but it doesn't interest our connoisseurs, who all favour the real deal. There were two TVs in the section where we sat and there were numerous waiting staff on duty as they were also busy serving food during our stay. There was a very good atmosphere and both the furniture and toilet areas were in good condition. A spacious car park is also provided at the side of the pub. Rating: Three pints out of Five