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Sunday World
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Sunday World
Barmaid serves up old-school charm and fine pints at just €5.60 in Clancy's of Athy
While we can't say for certain that Pub Spy has never been to Clancy's over the past 52 years, we can say that it was a first for this particular batch of Commandos. Clancy's bar in Athy, Co Kildare was busy during our visit Despite being only one hour from our headquarters, we hadn't paid a visit to the south county Kildare town of Athy since 2013. Although he initially begged us to go anywhere in Meath so he could discuss the Leinster final with the locals, the Old Commando was more than happy to visit the Lilywhites and see what kind of mood the GAA fraternity in this county was like. 'They must be kicking themselves too, getting beaten by Louth and a first Leinster title since 2000 sitting there waiting for them,' the Old Commando said as he arrived in Athy town. 'Why don't you ask them when we go into the pub?' the Young Commando suggested. 'I'd say they'd love to chat to you about it,' he joked. The town of Athy has changed since we were last here with new roadways and no through access in the square area, but once we found our bearings and a parking space we walked along Leinster Street, eventually arriving at the front door of Clancy's pub. The red and white exterior was in very good condition with the local GAA and rugby flags flying out front. A sign on the window is advertising a live traditional music session every Thursday night and a slogan on the window states: 'Keep the spirit Irish'. 'I'm surprised some far left nut-job hasn't suggested that is an issue,' the Old Commando said, rolling his eyes. Established in 1903, this pub was exactly what the Old Commando expected it to be, and he was delighted with his surroundings when he stepped inside the front door. The front bar is very tight for space so we took our seats in the corner while the Young Commando placed our order with the dark haired barmaid on duty. She served him immediately but there was no time for chit chat as it just seemed to be getting busier and busier during our stay. He did note she was very mannerly and polite and the creamy pints of stout cost €5.60 each. While we can't say for certain that Pub Spy has never been to Clancy's over the past 52 years, we can say that it was a first for this particular batch of Commandos. The Old Commando sipped his Guinness and told us this was like stepping back in the '80s as he really savoured the atmosphere among the mixed clientele of locals. There is a variety of drinks available on draught such as Guinness Zero, Orchard Thieves, Rockshore lager and cider, Angelo Poretti, Birra Moretti and Coors, and the shelves and fridges were well stocked. There are two TVs in the front bar, both of which were showing live sports, and we noticed Leinster and Athy rugby flags draped from the ceiling along with a Manchester United flag, the former English football giants turned relegation candidates. No children are allowed on the premises here after 9pm and this is a rule our Commandos wholeheartedly agree with. Some of our troops would ban them outright if they ever became publicans. There are many GAA related photos hanging throughout the pub, including the Athy football team that lifted the senior football championship in 1987 in their centenary year, and upon viewing these photographs the Old Commando got an opening to start his taunting. 'You'll probably have to make space for the Kildare team of 2026 when they capture the Leinster title,' the Old Commando said as he ignited a debate and stirred some local diehards. The Young Commando skipped out to inspect the toilets and advised us they were far more modern than the front bar and most likely have been upgraded in recent years. There are three urinals, one cubicle, a powerful, modern hand dryer and a unique sink embedded in a Jameson barrel. We really enjoyed our few pints in Clancys and we'd love to call again. Rating: Three pints out of Five One for the road: The Nags Head – Athy Twelve years ago, we paid a visit to The Nags Head pub in Athy and were glad to report it's still in fine shape all these years later. An elderly barman served us as soon as we arrived and he shared a great rapport with all the locals, a predominately young to middle aged clientele, all of whom were on a first name basis with each other. There was a very good atmosphere with lots of joking and some interesting characters, and the pints of stout cost us €5.60 each. We're not big fans of pool tables so close to the counter area though, as we tend to feel uneasy as the players move around the table lining up their shots. The red velvet barstools and bench seating were in good condition and the Young Commando was full of praise for the toilet area, which he said was spotlessly clean. We enjoyed our handful of pints in this pub — although there was no trace of Del Boy or Trigger! Rating: Three pints out of Five
Sunday World
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 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
