IN PICTURES: Tipperary village of Boherlahan comes alive with Maher family generosity

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All a community needs is a spark to light the flame of rejuvenation.

And for Boherlahan, that spark has been Liam Maher and Santina Coyle in the form of Maher's shop. 

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A pristine new premises, immaculately finished in every nook and cranny and spotlessly clean in the heart of Boherlahan village, has been booming since its opening just a few short weeks ago.

Staffed with many local people from Geraldine Barry to Mya Hickey, daughter of legendary hurler Seamus Hickey of Seamus Hickey Painting and Decorating, the new business is already part of the fabric of the village. 

But as if refurbishing and reopening the shop and the petrol station wasn't enough, on top of creating local employment, Liam and Santina's generosity hasn't stopped there for the close-knit Boherlahan community.

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On Saturday, July 5, an official opening of the shop took place with a ribbon cutting by Chairperson for the Tipperary/Cahir/Cashel Municipal District, Cllr Roger Kennedy.

A BBQ followed and live music by local lad and Boherlahan hurler James Murphy - who managed to keep the show on the road with five strings.

James had played only the night before in Lacey's Bar Ballydine as the Boherlahan Bingo Committee enjoyed a night out to celebrate their one-year anniversary.

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The spread put on by Liam and Santina and their family on Saturday was a statement.

It was a reflection of their already massive investment in Boherlahan.

From the burgers and hot dogs to the FREE raffle and signed jerseys on offer for the winners and seemingly endless vouchers, on top of the free beer, cider, chocolate, crisps and face painting, their generosity bowled people over and they came in their hundreds for the occasion.

It was a subtle assurance to all present and not, we are here for you Boherlahan, and we're not going anywhere.

The pair are leaders in the village now, that's the role of local shop owners, to console and comfort, to inspire and entertain.

An often thankless job.

They have been the spark that lit the fire of rejuvenation.

The shop needs people's support from today on.

It's on all of us now to keep it thriving. Liam and Santina can do no more, over to you Boherlahan to keep the fire lit.

You wanted it, you got it, now support it.