Philip and Maureen O’Sullivan who still pulling pints after 50 years behind the counter at the popular Shebeen bar in Cahersiveen. Photo by Christy Riordan.
A half a century in business is no mean achievement given the decline in the pub trade of late but The Shebeen in Cahersiveen has bucked that trend and continues to thrive.
Philip O’Sullivan decided to buy his own pub in 1974 after returning from New York where he had worked in the trade. Fifty years later he is still behind the counter every single day. In fact, the well-known barman has never taken a day off – except during Covid – and despite his family pleas to take a rest, Philip’s motto at 75-years of age is to ‘always be there for the customers’.
