Belgard pub closes doors after 43 years in business
By Mary Dennehy
IT WAS last orders at the Belgard Inn on Sunday, as the 43-year-old landmark pub closed its doors.
The pub is being demolished to pave the way for a Lidl store, with the discount German giant granted permission by South Dublin County Council for a new ‘concept’ store, plaza and retail/café building on site.
Gerry Crawford (manager) with staff members on Sunday
Permission for a new pub on site is provided for in the planning however, Lidl was unable to confirm at this stage if it plans to re-develop a pub.
Last weekend, regulars and past customers flocked to the landmark pub to toast the popular watering hole – and the many memories it held.
Gerry Crawford, Manager of the Belgard Inn, told The Echo: “It’s the end of an era and many people are very sad.
“There’s a lot of local and family connections to the pub.”
He added: “We had a brilliant weekend, the place was jammers and we literally drank the place dry.
Michelle Metcalf, Aine Dalton, Noeleen McMahon and Jennifer Whelan
“So many people who drank in the Belgard, Cocos or the disco bar Lanigans when they were younger came back with their friends for a final drink.
Like a reunion night
“It was like a reunion night for many, with old friends who may have moved away from the area coming back.”
The Belgard Inn, which called last orders on Sunday, March 18, employed 16 people, a number of whom are moving to the Elms in Liffey Valley – which is under the same ownership as the Belgard.
Others, according to Gerry, have sourced work locally.
“All of the staff would like to thank all of the customers, both the regulars and those who came back over the weekend.
Terry Hart, Jim Cleere, Terry O’Reilly and Mick Nevin
“We all had a great night even if it was a little sad.
“However, it had to be done, the main thing is that all of the customers enjoyed their night.”
When contacted by The Echo, Lidl was unable to confirm if the re-development of a smaller pub on site was included in its plans.
No decision made yet
A spokesperson for the company said: “There is no decision made yet with regards to a pub being rebuilt, all options are being explored at present.
“Detailed design plans are being finalised at the moment and we expect to have an update on key project milestones, such as construction commencing, in approximately four weeks times.”
Get this week’s Echo and turn to page 63 for more pictures of the Belgard Inn’s closing night.
