A Community Ambition to Save a Village Hub
In Cullen, a village once bustling with life now faces a quiet reality: the local pub, Art O’Connor’s, and its adjoining facilities are among the last remaining social anchors in the area. North Cork residents have stepped forward with a plan to purchase the pub, aiming to preserve a crucial peer-and-community space and combat the social isolation that often follows the closure of rural amenities.
The plan, spearheaded by Damian Hickey and a coalition of local volunteers, reflects a broader concern across rural Ireland: when pubs, shops, and post offices shutter, residents lose more than a building—they lose a place to connect, catch up on news, and support one another. Cullen reportedly boasted five pubs not long ago, along with multiple shops, a petrol station, and a post office, but those conveniences have dwindled, leaving gaps in the village’s social fabric.
Why the Last Pub Matters
In many rural communities, the local pub is more than a drinking spot. It is a social hub where generations intersect, where neighbours share information, and where vulnerable residents find warmth and belonging. When such a venue is at risk, concerns extend beyond the loss of a social space to the erosion of everyday safety nets—volunteerism, informal support networks, and local knowledge about community needs.
Art O’Connor’s, the pub at the heart of Cullen’s campaign, sits on a historically central corner of the village. Its continued operation is seen by supporters as a practical step toward maintaining a communal heartbeat — a place to discuss issues, celebrate successes, and organise initiatives that address loneliness and isolation.
The Campaign and Its Goals
The campaign to buy the pub is rooted in a pragmatic, community-led approach. Organisers are prioritising transparency, local participation, and ongoing viability. The plan envisions the venue evolving into a multi-use community space that can host a range of activities—from youth programming and senior social clubs to daytime coffee gatherings and evenings for music or talks.
Financially, the group is exploring options that minimize risk for residents while maximising the pub’s usefulness to the wider community. This includes community ownership models that allow villagers to invest in the venue and influence its future direction, ensuring that the space remains accessible and relevant to those who rely on it most.
Local Support and Challenges Ahead
Support from residents across North Cork has been encouraging, with many expressing a strong desire to preserve Cullen’s sense of place. Yet, the campaign is navigating challenges common to rural community buyouts: securing sufficient funding, navigating regulatory requirements, and maintaining sustainable operations once the pub changes hands. The organisers acknowledge that while the path is demanding, the potential social benefits are substantial.
Community leaders emphasise that the bid is not about preserving a nostalgic relic but about creating a practical solution to a modern problem. By maintaining a social venue, Cullen can help reduce isolation among older residents, provide opportunities for volunteering, and offer a focal point for local resilience during difficult times—such as adverse weather, economic shifts, or health crises.
A Model for Other Villages?
<pIf successful, Cullen’s pub buyout could serve as a blueprint for other rural communities facing similar closures. The model blends community engagement, local pride, and practical funding strategies to deliver a sustainable, people-centered solution. It also highlights a growing recognition that social infrastructure—libraries, post offices, and pubs—plays a pivotal role in public health and community well-being.
As the campaign unfolds, supporters remain committed to open communication with residents and stakeholders. The overarching message is clear: when public spaces close, residents will rally to keep them open, not just as a business, but as a lifeline for social connection in North Cork.
What Needs to Happen Next
The immediate steps involve finalising financing, securing necessary approvals, and outlining a clear, inclusive program for the pub’s future. Community volunteers are ready to contribute ideas, time, and resources, reinforcing the village’s resolve to take control of its social landscape and reduce isolation in Cullen.
