This article is from page 22 of the 2011-03-29 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 22 JPG
ONE of east Clare’s legendary pubs saw the dawn of another era when the new publican became the first in five generations to have a name other than Vaughan.
But while Brid Kelleher might be the new kid on the block in the Broadford pub, she’s not new to the job.
Breda has been pulling pints behind the bar in Vaughan’s for 35 years – “my whole life,” she told The Clare People .
When the opportunity to take over the licence came up, barmaid Brid decided it was time for her to take the plunge.
“I’ve worked here all my life so I said ‘here goes’ we’ll give it a try. I’m looking forward to it. At least I know the job,” she said.
Brid will have plenty of support and practical help in the challenge ahead from hubby, Christy Kelleher, who jokes that he “knows the job very well from the other side of the bar. It will be a change”.
Vaughan’s has been in the family for four generations and was in its heyday one of the biggest attractions for miles around because of its ballroom of romance.
The pub and the dance hall can claim credit for scores of marriages in Clare and further afield.
“They came from all over to dance here and to hear the big bands. Sean Bolan, The Firesiders, Michael O’Mahony, The Vantones, The Boys in Blue – they all played here,” said Christy.
But the big band era drew to a close and Vaughan’s went back to being a quiet country ‘local’.
“But there’ll be music here again – there’s going to be a big monthly trad session and we’ll have lots of local musicians playing,” said Brid.
James Vaughan officially handed over the reins to Brid at the weekend at a celebration night of music and dancing at the pub.
But the Vaughan’s legacy won’t be forgotten with the Vaughan name remaining still over the door.