Former Laois Garda Chief has plans for pub linked to Ballymaloe dynasty

A landmark Laois pub with strong family connections to the Ballymaloe food dynasty could once again become a hub for food lovers if plans by the recently retired head of policing in Laois and Offaly get the green light.

John Scanlan is the driving force behind the project to revamp and reopen The Sportsman's Inn also known as O'Connells.  Central to the plan is to revive its reputation as one of Ireland's original gastro-pubs.

Apart from reviving the business, the applicant believes the Cullohill community and county will benefit, jobs will be created and the building saved from dereliction. 

The pub won a reputation as a great place to eat when run by the late Elizabeth O'Connell. The mother of Darina Allen and Rory O'Connell of Ballymaloe Cookery School fame, threw herself into the business after her husband Richard, passed away when Darina was aged 14. Darina has often spoken about being inspired her mother.

The pub was run by other members of the O'Connell family until Covid-19 but has not opened its doors since. 

Fintan Dunne Architect outlined the plans drawn up by The Sportsmans Inn Portdrine Limited at the start of March in a letter of introduction to Laois County Council. MORE BELOW PICTURE

It states that permission is sought for single-storey extension to the rear and side of the pub along with internal modifications to the existing part single/part two-storey building which is also a residence. The work will comprise a dining room, kitchen, toilets, and associated back-up spaces, a car-parking area, an effluent treatment system and percolation area. The existing first-floor residential unit will also be divided into two separate units for staff. Solar panels are also planned.

The letter states that the applicants are purchasing the premises of which the O'Connell family have been the proprietors of since 1916, when they took over the business from the Baird family.

It states that the O'Connell family have become synonymous with excellent food and hospitality in Ireland, with members of the family having international reputations. 

It adds that, due to various reasons, the premises has not re-opened since the Covid lockdown and has been put sale. The letter explains the impact of closure and what reopening will mean.

"This has left a deep chasm in the community from a social and practical point of view. The applicants see an opportunity here to acquire this established business and under new ownership to progress the entity to a new stage, re-establishing the social focal point in the village, and continuing excellence in the provision of food, drink and hospitality.

"They also see the opportunity to build on the historical aspect of food production in this premises, and to strengthen it by the sourcing of the best of local Irish produce and its presentation through the kitchen to a very high standard, thus showcasing the culinary skills available also in the area. Having such a business re-established here in Cullohill will help to draw even more tourists to the area and enhance their experience of the area," it states.

The letter says the aim of creating the new spaces required will bring the establishment into the modern era, while retaining all that is good in the existing fabric.

The council have been told that the applicants have enlisted the expertise of Mr Paul Haffey of Lisburn Co Antrim, who it is claimed, is known widely for his track record in the hospitality sector, to lead the re-design of the premises.

In summary the letter proposes development will;

• Re-establish a recently lost social center point in the village,
• Continue the long-established history of quality food and hospitality in this very premises,
• Create local employment,
• Allow for the showcasing of locally produced product,
• Allow staff members to live in the village,
• Create an accessible premises for all,
• Bring life, activity and vitality back to village
• Attract more tourism to the area by providing the back-round services needed.

"The proposal represents a sustainable way forward both in providing habitable accommodation in the town, involving the re-use of existing fabric, which might otherwise fall into decline and dereliction," concludes the letter.

The pub was put on the market in 2022 for an asking price of €300,000.