Rebuilt Erris pub is 'an example of how to get things done'

The Munnelly family in Geesala are being held up as an example of how to get things done after they rebuilt their fire-destroyed public house in a matter of months.

During a discussion on housing at last week's meeting of Mayo County Council, Cllr Gerry Coyle extended congratulations to John Munnelly and his family who own the High Chapparal pub in the Erris village. 

"Six months from their place being burned to the ground it was reopened. Why? Because they got on with the job and got it done. The builders came, then the people came.

“Right now there are hundreds of houses in Belmullet riddled with pyrite. The council is letting these houses fall into wrack and ruin and next we are going to have to put security around them so that young people especially are not in danger. We own these houses. For God’s sake, can we even knock them at least.

"If John Munnelly was in charge, this would be sorted and done."