Iconic Mayo pub re-opens after 37 years

An iconic Mayo pub is to re-open next month after being closed for 37 years.

Cannon's Bar at the Market Square in Castlebar has been closed since 1989 but the pub has long been a source of fascination and affection for generations of locals many of whom never got the opportunity to darken its door.

Established in 1905, the pub was named, ‘The Academy’, given its status as a meeting spot for lively debate.

The pub was run by Eddie and Hannah Cannon and later, Eddie's son Michael Cannon.

The snug bar was a haven of sociability and conversation in Castlebar and boasted a pint of Guinness “always a few pence lower than other places". Proud Castlebar native David McCormack is restoring the pub to its former glory and thrusting the doors of ‘The Academy’ open once again.

“I walked past Cannon's a thousand times and for 20 years dreamed of owning it. I have so much grá for the place and the fascination was the unknown, this mystical place that had been closed since I was 10 but always so well kept and maintained. There have been great pubs in Castlebar over the years and still are, but everyone talks about Cannon's with such endearment and again, I think that comes from the fact that most people in the town today have never stepped foot inside,” David told the Western People.

David was born and raised in Maryland in the town and his family has strong ties to construction and farming. He entered the world of finance in London and New York but Castlebar has "always been home". 

“JP McCormack & Sons was a widely respected business and local family going back a long time. My mother was McGreal from Ballinrobe and they were also a widely respected family of farmers and cattle dealers, so we have deep roots in Mayo on both sides in Castlebar, Westport, and Ballinrobe. I ended up joining my father in London when I was 16. I worked for him for a few years, went to college at night over four years and continued to work for him every weekend on the sites even when I was transitioning into the world of finance with Merrill Lynch in London. By the late '90s I was flying back to Knock with him often, so Castlebar has always been home. My best friends today are the ones I went to national school with in Castlebar,” said David.

David is keen to build on the legacy established by the Cannon family and preserve what makes the premises such a unique and special place.

“It was hugely important to me to preserve it as a pub, reopen it as a pub and keep the Cannon family name. I think this resonated with the family, and I want to thank them for this incredible opportunity to bring back one of the town’s most coveted gathering places.” 

He said the opportunity to own Cannon’s was one he couldn’t pass up and he feels privileged to take on the mantle.

“I didn’t necessarily just want to own a pub in the town. I’ve two cousins with pubs in Castlebar (Bar One and Moran’s), so equally out of respect to them, I didn’t want to come in and just own a competing pub. This is an opportunity that I don’t think anyone thought would ever happen. It’s reopening as Cannon's Bar so it’s all about this particular venue. I feel honoured to own it and bring it back to its former glory. The town needs it,” said David.

With many pubs closing their doors, David is bucking the trend and believes the local pub remains a valuable outlet for communities and young people.

“It’s a hugely challenging time. I say this as I’m about to open a pub, but the industry has changed and there are a lot of obstacles and challenges. Firstly, from the publican side, VAT, inflation, energy costs, and staffing are all problematic but as an owner you must overcome these obstacles. And then from the public side, people aren’t drinking as much; young people are physically healthier than prior generations and Covid changed everything for rural Ireland. A lot of young people have also left rural Ireland for life abroad with Australia being one of the biggest beneficiaries. Cost of living is an issue for everyone.

“Gen Z are being attacked from all sides and it’s not helpful. They’ve come through a pandemic where there was a lot of isolation and time spent on screens. They now wake up daily, likely still living at home given the housing situation, and all they read is AI taking all future jobs. But this is a generation that needs a pint. Alcohol is a social lubricant that brings people together. There’s probably nothing healthier than having a good time with friends in a safe way. I believe the mental health benefits far outweigh the negatives for this generation if they opted for a pint with their friends or family.

“Cocaine is an issue for the entire country – every village, town and city - and the scariest part of this is that it’s being described as a recreational drug. It is not. 

"I bought a pub because I love pubs, I love good pubs, I love the craic and the atmosphere and I want to create that environment for everyone; young, old, my age etc. Nothing would make me happier than seeing a bunch of young people enjoying themselves with friends and family. I don’t need people to come in and drink 10 pints, but I stick by the fact that the mental health benefits to being around friends in a safe environment and enjoying a pint is a good thing.” 

Construction work on the pub’s interior has been swift in recent weeks, but David will be changing very little about the legendary bar.

“Nothing fancy. I’ve had so many people tell me to leave it as it is. Ultimately the pub must be compliant, so what worked in the '80s doesn’t work today in terms of fireproofing, wiring, bathrooms, etc but, this will remain a welcoming traditional cozy pub that just oozes charm. We are going to do the basics really well. A great pint is where things start and not trying to be all things to all people. I’ve hired a great manager in Paudy O’Malley and we can’t wait to welcome people in some time in June.”