The new proprietors of a village pub in Laois have received a grant of nearly €90,000 to establish accommodation for tourists. The team behind the restoration of The Sportsman’s Inn in Cullohill, which includes retired Laois-Offaly Garda Chief Superintendent John Scanlan, has been awarded €89,930 in funding from Fáilte Ireland.

The iconic pub, previously operated by the late Elizabeth O'Connell, mother of Darina Allen and Rory O’Connell from Ballymaloe, has been in the O’Connell family's possession since 1916. However, it closed during the Covid-19 pandemic and was put up for sale in 2022 with a guide price of €300,000.

A group of local residents, led by Mr. Scanlan, acquired the property with intentions to reopen it as a gastro-pub and restore its significant role in the community. The Fáilte Ireland grant will be used to convert the existing residential unit at the pub into four-bedroom ensuite accommodation for tourists.

In a planning application submitted to Laois County Council in March 2024, the group stated: 'The applicants view this as an opportunity to take over this established business and, under new ownership, advance it to a new level, reinstating the social hub of the village and maintaining excellence in food, beverages, and hospitality. They also aim to capitalize on the historical significance of food production at this location by sourcing the finest local Irish produce and presenting it at a very high standard, thereby showcasing the culinary talents available in the area.

Re-establishing such a business in Cullohill is expected to attract more tourists to the region and enhance their overall experience.' Additionally, Durrow Development Forum has been granted €9,840 under the same program for the creation of digital trails, offering an immersive, self-guided exploration of the area's history and biodiversity.

These grants are part of a €2.3 million fund allocated to 18 new tourism initiatives in the midlands, as part of Fáilte Ireland’s grant aid scheme for Private and Community SMEs, which is a component of the EU Just Transition Fund program.