Excise duty is ‘killing hospitality’


by Kate Heaney THE future of the Donegal pub looks anything but assured as a combination of factors culminate in what may become the perfect storm. While prices in smaller rural towns and villages may be considerably lower than in the major cities, this week the Drinks Industry Group Ireland (DIGI) published research showing that […]


‘A Proper Pint’ has put Sharkey’s Bar on the map


THE Donegal Première of ‘A Proper Pint’ filmed in Sharkey’s Bar in Annagry is winning international awards and bringing customers from across the Atlantic to view one of the country’s longest family owned pubs with which some share a name. The half hour long documentary came about after US company, also called ‘A proper Pint’, […]


Vintners’ AGM and Gala Ball held in Ballybofey


THE Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) held their annual General Meeting (AGM) in Jackson’s Hotel in Ballybofey on Tuesday followed by a Gala Ball. The President of the VFI John Clendennen, welcomed delegates to the county and addressed issues facing the pub trade which is going through a changing market. He spoke of items including insurance […]


Conference to discuss future of local pubs


By Kate Heaney VINTNERS from across Ireland will gather in Ballybofey next week for their annual conference – and topping the agenda will be the future of rural pubs and how those in the trade are having to deal with changes in people’s attitudes to socialising. President of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) John Clendennen said […]