David McGuinness on the Offaly side and Nichola McGuinness on the Westmeath side of Paddy Ryan’s pub in Horseleap. Photo Paul Molloy.

County rivalry to the fore as new owners take over Horseleap pub!

New owners have taken over the landmark Paddy Ryan's pub in the centre of Horseleap village. The pub famously straddles the Westmeath/Offaly border, so it's fitting the husband and wife taking over the premises have roots either side of the divide!

Offaly man David McGuinness (from Horseleap) and Westmeath woman Nichola McGuinness (neé Adamson, from Moate) are now the proud owners of the only pub remaining in Ireland to sit across a county border.

They are pictured here either side of the Westmeath/Offaly divide which runs right through the centre of the premises.

They take over from Michael and Breda Marshall who had operated the popular hostelry for some 20 years.

There is a special celebration night on Saturday to mark the changing of the guard and to allow the local community to say their farewells to the Marshalls.

David and Nichola aim to continue in the footsteps of the Marshalls and to maintain and build upon the successful business operated by the previous owners.

“It is more than just a pub. It's the centre of the community here,” David said.

“We aim to keep it going as it is and to make it available to the community and to all ages.”

Music on the night by The Lost Boys and all are welcome.