A St Johnston pub that has raised approximately €400,000 for worthy causes will be formally recognised later this month during a Civic Reception in Lifford hosted by Donegal County Council.
Established in 1919, Maggies Tavern is now run by Maggie’s niece, Alice Lynch. The family-run pub has served as a focal point for numerous fundraising efforts over the years, much to the benefit of local charities.
“On behalf of Maggies Tavern, I’m deeply honoured and humbled. The voluntary committees have, for years, been fundraising and this award is in recognition of all that hard work,” said proprietor Alice Lynch.
“We’ve been so lucky to have a core group of fundraisers who have been there for a long time, and so much has been raised for brilliant charities. The ‘Pig on the Spit’ raised more than €130,000. Then they had a fundraising cycle all over Donegal for ‘Little Angels’ and that was huge, raising the small fortune of €140,000. Tractor runs and coffee mornings have also raised big money.
“We’re just so thankful to the fundraisers and those who support the good causes. It’s such a great feeling that Maggies has been part of all that and long may it continue. When it’s for your own community there’s a passion to raise money,” said Alice.
More than 200 pubs across Donegal are represented by the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) and Alice Lynch is chairperson of the Donegal branch. A delegation from Maggies Tavern, led by Alice, will travel to County House in Lifford on May 22.
“The Civil Reception to recognise our fundraising was proposed by Cllr Gerry Crawford and unanimously agreed by the other councillors, and the drive for this is coming from the Municipal District of Stranorlar, which we’re very grateful for,” said Alice.
It is a very busy time for Alice and all those associated with the VFI Donegal branch.
Next week, Ballybofey will host the organisation’s national AGM. Donegal has had this privilege less than a handful of times in the past 50 years.
“We had to lobby other counties to get the AGM. Donegal is the best. We have it all up here so it’s an easy sell. We have the scenery but also the facilities to host this event. It’s very exciting,” expressed Alice.
On the sidelines of the AGM, 350 publicans from around Ireland will be shown what Donegal has to offer next week.
This will include a trip on Donegal Bay Waterbus, golfing, a tour of Hanna Hats, a trip to Wild Ireland wildlife park, and dinner at Maggies Tavern before heading back to Ballybofey.
“We have everything in Donegal. The only thing I’m praying for is good weather so that we can show off our beautiful county,” said Alice.
The publicans plan to mix business with pleasure so there will be serious topics discussed at the VFI AGM and on the sidelines of the national event.
There is pressure on the government to support pubs in October’s Budget.
“The cost of doing business is too high and VAT has to be lowered. It’s the same right across the board with all small businesses, not just pubs.
“The government did do something with the rates which will give the average business about €1,500 but the cost of doing business is still out of control. Fuel costs are crazy. Once the oil goes up everything goes up,” said Alice Lynch.
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