Cliona Hagan reveals plans to support new artists at Athlone gastropub

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Country music star Cliona Hagan has revealed plans to make her new Athlone gastropub a platform for up-and-coming performers.

Cliona appeared on Ireland AM on Tuesday morning, August 25, to discuss the opening of Mary Mc's on Church Street, at the former Brazen Monkey premises.

The business is run by Cliona, her husband Simon Sheerin, some of his family members, and local businessman Colin Harris.

The gastropub officially opened its doors on Friday, August 14, and has already attracted significant crowds, with Cliona describing the support from customers as "nothing short of incredible".

Speaking to hosts Tommy Bowe and Alan Hughes, she explained the inspiration behind the new venture.

"We just thought why not," she said. "I did not think this time last year that I'd be involved in a gastro bar."

The singer said her love of Nashville helped shape the concept for Mary Mc's, particularly the venue's focus on live music.

"We just love Nashville, and of course in Nashville they have the stages right by the window," Cliona said.

"We really wanted to allow people walking by to see the live music, and to come in, and have a good old time. We're delighted with the look of the place, the vibes, and just good music and pints."

Cliona said the former pub required a major transformation before opening, with the team undertaking extensive work to put their own stamp on the premises.

"It was just an old man's pub, and it was nice, but it just needed a little bit of TLC, and just to put our own touch on it," she said.

"We wanted to make it [like] the bars that we love to go into. We ripped the whole thing apart."

The singer joked that the physical work had proved more exhausting than expected.

"I thought it was gonna be very therapeutic, that's why I offered. Well, the very first night I literally could not move in the bed!"

Mary Mc's currently hosts live music four to five times a week, with Cliona saying the response since opening has surpassed expectations.

"Everyday so far it's been packed," she said.

"The support we've gotten, not only from people in Athlone, but from all over the country coming up to see Mary Mc's has just been nothing short of incredible."

Asked by Bowe whether she intends to use the venue as a place where emerging artists can get their start, Cliona said she would love to.

"For sure," she said. "Unfortunately it is the case, you can see so many amazing dance venues that, when I started over 10 years ago, that are just gone. It's really sad to see.

"When I started, I always got so much help, and I want to help new and upcoming artists."

She added that the response from performers hoping to play at Mary Mc's has already been substantial.

"The amount of emails that we're getting with people saying 'oh my god, we'd love to sing in your gastrobar', and for sure, we would love to have you," Cliona said.

"The amount of people coming into Mary Mc's is nothing short of incredible, and it's a great platform for people as well to get your name out."