Navan's publicans make a pint of staying in touch with their loyal customers
With everyone looking forward to the day the pubs reopen, Navan's publicans decided to send a message to their customers in a Facebook video last week.
Three months from they were forced to close their doors, due to lockdown, the local publicans decided to give their customers a taste of what is to come when they all get the go ahead to open again on 10th August.
Filmed outside Navan's many hostelries on a glorious sunny day last Wednesday, the many publicans who were filmed had positive messages for their customers.
“We have been closed for three months and we thought it would be nice to let everyone know we are still here,” said publican, Damien Clarke.
“We are all ready and willing to go on 10th August.”
The video was the brainchild of both Damien and Michael Gavigan and features many of the town publicans delivering a message of safety and hope. It was filmed and edited by Joseph Murray.
Pub owners and managers have been busy in recent weeks preparing for the re-opening and the introduction of social distancing.
Among those featured on the video are Mick Ryan, Emer Newman, Joe Callaghan, Mark Keenan, Gary Byrne, Keith Jones, Michelle Geraghty, Rob Masterson, Soo Hee Ding and Enda Blaney, as well as Padraig, Jarlath and Padraig Fitzsimons with veteran publican Paddy, finishing off the message 'as Gaeilge.'
Their message in the video is clear. “We know these are challenging times for us all. It seems like forever since we were all enjoying Navan's thriving nightlife.
“Because of all the sacrifices we have made, the storm has almost passed and we can't wait to meet you on the other side.”
They point out that there is still more to do to defeat Covid_19.
“We have a little bit left to go – this is the final push to defeat the virus.”
“Navan's nightlife will be back thriving soon and we'll be here to welcome you back.
“We all know the Irish phrase Slainte and when we meet again let's raise a glass together,” is the message as publicans from around the town join in the traditional greeting.
The video ends with publican and former Mayor, Paddy Fitzsimons, imparting an old Irish blessing.
The government roadmap for reopening the country after Covid-19 allows pubs that don't serve food to reopen in phase four on 10th August.
Restaurants can reopen on 29th June.