Pepper’s celebrates 200 years

IT wasn’t just the celebration of the century but of two centuries, as the famous Pepper’s Pub marked years in Feakle over the weekend.
“It really is a milestone and something that had to be celebrated, and we celebrated it really well,” Gary Pepper explained.
For the weekend’s celebrations, Pepper’s did what it does best of all, by bringing some fantastic music to Feakle.
The cold snap took hold but that didn’t stop the music and dancing from warming the hearts of those who joined Gary and all at Pepper’s over the weekend.
“With the weather the way it was, we were a bit worried but people still came along and supported the whole thing. It was a great event, with plenty of music for all tastes and plenty of sets danced. I felt it was important to mark the 200 years. There aren’t too many businesses with 200 years of history behind them. I had planned on doing this earlier in the year but thankfully, we have had a good season so we didn’t really have a chance until now,” he added.
The festivities began on Friday with set dancing featuring the Merriman Céilí Band. Also in the dining room, the Pepper family’s involvement in social and sporting events around the locality over the years was outlined by local historian and playwright Kieran Sheedy. Recent history was recalled with a showing of a recording of the launch of the Feakle book by Ciarán McMathúna back in 1990.There was also recollections of matches, school exhibits, dancing to the Tulla Céilí Band and others. There were also extracts acted from the large-cast famine play Dark Visitation which was staged by the local drama group.
Saturday’s celebrations began with a session by the East Clare Young Musicians, followed by a recital from the Classical Kylenano Quartet. The 45-piece Coole Youth Music Orchestra and a sextet also brought their musical styles to the proceedings.
A variety of traditional music groups performed on Sunday, with the festivities concluding to the music of Kate Purcell, Andrew McNamara, Yuki Nishioka, Jed Foley and Paul Smith.
Pepper’s has a long and colourful history in Feakle. The inn was established in 1810 and is reputed to be the oldest building in the parish. It is clearly visible on the 1839 Ordnance Survey map.
When Pepper’s was first established, Biddy Early was just 12 years old and would operate two shebeens in the parish later in the century.
The name of James Pepper is listed in Griffith’s Valuations of the 1860s, while Jimmy Pepper, Gary’s father, was a member of the famous parish hurling team that won five county championships in the late ’30s and early ’40s.
The present establishment is run by Gary and his wife Mary, assisted by their staff. The pub has gained a worldwide reputation as a venue for traditional music while in recent years it has also become known for its functions, céilís and classical music concerts.