A Tipperary town reeling from the closure of long-established business in town centre

The closure of another long-established business in Clonmel has been announced.

O’Keeffe’s, the popular bar and nightclub, has closed; striking another blow to the Clonmel economy.

The popular Tipperary late bar made the shock announcement that it is closing its doors with immediate effect.
It marks another blow to the town centre of Clonmel following the closure across the street of Clintons drapery last year.
O’Keeffe’s is located next to Hearns Hotel which last year became an IPAS centre.

Mayor of Clonmel Cllr Pat English said the closure was another major setback to the town centre.
“The traditional businesses of Clonmel are closing. The town lost Clintons last year and now O’Keeffe’s is gone,” said Cllr English.

He said the revitalisation of the town needed to come a lot faster.
Cllr English said the town had made an application for funding under the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund scheme and he called for that funding to be released. “We are waiting on a Government decision. The application for funding has been sitting there for the last two years. We now have a good number of Oireachtas members representing Tipperary and they have to apply the pressure to have this funding released,” insisted Cllr English.

In a post on social media, O’Keeffe’s said: “It’s with great sadness to announce that O’Keeffe’s has now officially closed its doors.

“It’s been an unforgettable journey filled with great memories. Thank you to all our customers that have supported us over the years, it is much appreciated especially over the last few years as times got tougher.
“Thank you to everyone that organised gigs and events in our venue. And finally a huge thank to our incredible staff & DJs, who have kept the place running over the years. Goodbye for now,” concluded the post.

In a statement the Tipperary of Commerce also expressed their concern over the closure of another business in the town centre of Clonmel. “The closure of O’Keeffe’s bar and nightclub is a huge loss to Clonmel. For years, it has been more than just a venue, it’s been a part of the town’s identity, a place where people gathered, where jobs were created, and where businesses in the area benefited from the footfall it brought. Its closure is yet another warning sign of the serious pressures businesses are under, rising costs, staff shortages, and an increasingly tough trading environment.
“This is not just about one business closing its doors. Every closure has a ripple effect, jobs are lost, fewer people come into town, and other businesses suffer.

“If this continues, our town centre will be left with empty buildings instead of thriving businesses. That cannot be allowed to happen.

“We need urgent action from the government to support businesses before more are forced to shut down. County Tipperary Chamber is calling for immediate intervention to ensure businesses can survive and communities like Clonmel can continue to grow,” said Michelle Alyward, Chief Executive Officer of Tipperary Chamber of Commerce.