Landmark Moate pub changes ownership

The former owner of a landmark business in Moate is looking forward to his retirement following 28 years at the helm of Bo Allen's Sports Bar and Lounge.

William Allen handed over the keys to new owner, Kilcullen, County Kildare native, Daniel O'Sullivan in recent weeks and hosted a celebration evening with family members, friends and his many "loyal customers" who have supported him since August 1 1998 when he took ownership of the pub.

"It has been a very enjoyable experience and thankfully, I was extremely fortunate to have loyal and regular customers who were really good to me when I took over the pub in 1998 until my retirement last week," William said.

In keeping with the changing social times William evolved the pub through the years, Bo Allen’s now known as one of the main sports bars in Moate and the Midlands region.

"I installed multiple televisions in the pub and there were always fans of Man United or Liverpool calling into watch the Premier League games. There was always good natured chat going on in the pub when the games were being screened," William added.

Sporting coverage was not just confined to Premier League, the pub also attracting horse racing clientele which William said added to the atmosphere in the pub.

Live music was always a feature in Bo Allen's "to meet the needs of our customers" and trade always remained steady despite the downturn in the economy in the late 2000s.

William said he will miss his time "well spent" in Bo Allen's and is in the process of ensuring a "smooth transition" to the pub's new owner.

"Any experience that I have gained through the years I want to pass on to Daniel so he too can enjoy the same rewarding experience I had from my years in the business," William concluded.