Iconic Castlebar business marks 50 years

One of Mayo’s most recognisable and well-loved B&B businesses is celebrating its 50th anniversary today (Tuesday).

The Green Bay B&B has been a fixture at the Mall in Castlebar for more than five decades.

Michael Derrig took over the helm from his mother when he was just 19 and developed the Green Bay into a hugely successful operation.

Prior to the Derrig’s involvement, the Green Bay Café first opened in 1945. The Derrig family bought the business in 1959 and Michael’s mother Catherine developed it further into a B&B. When she passed away in 1975, Michael, a native of Tourmakeady, took charge.

Michael married his wife Noreen in 1979, and she has helped him steer the business over the years. The couple reared five children Kevin, Brian, Catherine, Stephen, and Cathal.

“In years gone by, my eldest sons Kevin and Brian would have been kicked out of the room the odd time if a bed was needed!” Michael joked.

For 26 years, Michael ran the café and B&B in tandem before making the decision to focus on the accommodation arm of the business. He continues to man the frying pan for his cherished guests every single morning.

“I’m so long at it I have an awful lot of repeat business. A lot of it is people who have been coming to us for years. We are nearly full every night.

“I still love the business. I love to see people coming back to us that have stayed before and became firm friends,” he added.

Michael said their simple and welcoming approach has served them well over years.

“It’s just about being nice to people, be friendly and have the chat. In a big hotel you might be just a number but there is a bit more of a personal touch with the B&B”.

Boyzone were among the famous faces to bed down in the Green Bay over the years.

“Henry McGlade booked them in back in the 1990s. They were down in Belmullet playing but Henry wouldn’t tell me who it was! I didn’t mind who was coming but he said if he told me the fans would be around the place in the morning,” Michael recalled.

Ronan Keating was to return to the Green Bay a number of years later and the Green Bay regularly hosts comics from the Castlebar Comedy Club at Bridge St.

Never shy of going above and beyond for his guests Michael helped one with a dash to the train and on another occasion ended up being an unplanned locomotive passenger!

“We went up to the train in the car and the train was pulling out. They had to catch flight from Dublin that evening. I told them, 'Look, I’ll get you to Claremorris.' We took off for Claremorris anyway and we got to the train but it was good job there was no speed cameras that time!

“Another time myself and my son Stephen were helping a couple get their bag on board the train. Next thing we heard the ‘beep’ of the train and it took off with us still on it. I had to ring my nephew to collect us from Claremorris.” 

The Green Bay is inviting people to stop by for some light refreshments from 12 noon today and help them celebrate their landmark anniversary in style.