Picture gallery: Ger is ready for next adventure as Daly’s Bar closes in Boyle

Ger Daly is ready for life’s next big adventure and is happy to “hang up her boots and go chilling and swimming” after the closure of the well-known Daly’s Bar and off-licence in Boyle.

Last Sunday was an emotional day for her and her three daughters who served the last drink in the business that has been in the family for three generations.

Ger told the Roscommon Herald that she spent years contemplating selling the pub, but now she is ready for the next adventure and hopes to go travelling. She added that this was the best time to make the decision as she is in good health and her daughters have their own children. “This is not a lifestyle for young people. It is a hard life,” she said. She added, “The girls are absolutely delighted (she made this decision). It is time for new beginnings. Change is good, it is important and necessary.” Her father-in-law, the late Paddy Daly, who was originally from Crossmolina, started the pub in 1955. Alongside the pub he built up a wholesale business.

Ger met John Daly, Paddy’s son, at Sligo IT. At the time John had planned to go to America where he had a job. However, he got a call from his father asking him to help with the business as his mother was unwell.

Ger and John married in 1980 and since then she has been in the pub business. Sadly John passed away at the age of 53 years of age, 18 years ago. “It was tough trying to run the family business and look after the three girls,” she said. She paid tribute to three staff members who helped her immeasurably in those early years, the late Dermot Davitt, Brendan Tiernan and Maureen Geelan. “They ran the show,” she added.

In 1997 Ger was lucky enough to win a trip, though the Australian Wine Board, where she spent ten days Down Under visiting vineyards. Following this she went on to study wine and began to hold wine tastings in 1997, which proved hugely popular.

In 2004 the family opened the off licence side of the business, with a vast range of wines, and Ger paid tribute to local craftsman, the late Frank O’Mahony who created all the lights, vines and stands, giving the premises a unique aesthetic.

“At that time no one really drank wine,” she said, “but today people know what they want.” They come to her for advice and in many cases she now knows which grapes her customers prefer and what best suits their tastes.

When Covid hit the pub trade closed down but the off licence remained open. When the country began to open up again a decision was made to develop the pub side of the business into a wine bar. Many groups, couples and women on a night out opt for this experience, which is enhanced with cheese and charcuterie boards.

Ger has also spent a lot of time visiting vineyards and meeting farmers who she said are “fantastic people,” remarking her goal was always to try and support small businesses.

She added that local people have been “terrific. We had regulars calling in all the time and we had some great characters. There was great fun and great craic.” However, she admitted it is a tough business to be in as “you have no social life”. She also said it was getting harder and harder to compete in business with Ireland having the highest VAT and duty in the EU. 

She also said that the lack of a taxi service was a drawback while the wine bar is in competition with supermarkets which “is a constant challenge.” She acknowledged that the business closing will have a trickle-down effect on reps, and delivery drivers.

However, there is no doubt that last Sunday was an emotional one as many memories are intertwined in the walls of Daly’s. “There is a huge emotion involved,” Ger said, “but we are all in good health and ready for the next adventure.” 

In a message to customers she stated, “We have greatly appreciated your continued support over the years, spanning three generations. We have met and made friends along the way and worked with some great staff members. Good wishes and sincere thanks again to all our customers.” 

She concluded by saying the family “is overwhelmed by all of the warmth and well wishes we have received the past few days” raising a final toast to all her customers.

The business is now on the market with DNG Ivan Connaughton. “This long established licensed premises presents a rare opportunity to acquire a thriving town centre property together with a substantial rear warehouse and yard enjoying independent access. The property is offered in two lots: Lot 1 - Daly’s Pub & Off Licence with seven day publican’s licence and Lot 2 - warehouse and yard with wholesale dealer’s licence with independent access via a laneway,” said Mr Connaughton.

The auctioneer added, “As a long standing public house in Boyle, Daly’s has historically served as a community focal point, a meeting place for local trade, sporting discussion, family celebrations and social gatherings.” For more see property pages.