Many Years ago McGrath’s of Parnell Street was a well-known name in the licensing trade in Clonmel and was a popular rendezvous for customers from that populous end of the town. About fifteen years ago it was more or less closed down with just a small amount of business transacted. But the license was maintained over the years so as to ensure that this old establishment would be in a position once again to take its traditional place in the business life of the town at some future date. The premises were opened earlier this year with the entrance leading in from Anglesea Street. Discreet modernization has converted the premises into a modern, luxurious lounge bar.
The proprietors are Mr. And Mrs. Peter Mulroy. Mr. Mulroy’s grandmother was the original owner of the licensed premises. The name of the new lounge is “The Horseman” and it was opened for the first time on Saturday, July 29th, the first day of this year’s Clonmel Horse Show. It is near the site of the old Horse fair.
Mr. Mulroy has wide experience of bar work, having traveled the world on famous liners as senior bar steward. He also worked for a time in London. Both himself and his wife are very interested in the licensing trade and on their till receipts will be found the following: “We don’t claim to be the best but we will be the best we can be.” To give their growing clientele a courteous and highly professional service there is an authentic local lounge atmosphere and we can also say that the traditional pint is of the traditional creamy texture and this is as good a recommendation as any. Generally speaking the emphasis is on quality drinks.
It certainly is a very beautiful lounge designed for modern conditions. A very attractive and colourful and indeed interesting feature is the unusual wall length mural depicting a showground setting. The artist is an Englishman Adrian Lees and he has incorporated a number of well-known local landmarks in the background of the mural. It is a fine example of the art of this well-known artist and sculpture. Mr. Lees also designed and printed the attractive sign over the entrance to the lounge.
In the lounge, Mr. And Mrs. Mulroy have moulded a unified system of decoration and design. Creating an atmosphere of graciousness and elegance. It is a quiet and peaceful lounge and in Clonmel there can be few more delightful pints to relax over a quiet drink then in “The Horseman.”
It is the intention of Mr. Mulroy at a later date to extend his premises and happily he has lots of room to do so. Clonmel’s industrial and commercial progress, besides its advantageous location, has placed a heavy demand on the town’s publicans in recent years and this latest development at the Parnell Street end of the town will help to ease the situation.
The lounge at “The Horseman,” with its subdued lighting and cozy seating is comfort personified and has been designed and furnished to perfection. The bar counter is modern and the right size for customers who like to have their drinks in the traditional manner. The wines and spirits etc. are well displayed on glass background. There is a central heating system extending to all parts of the premises. The toilet facilities are of a very high modern lounge bar standard.
