Michael Hickey’s in Thurles is a hot Tipp for a few pints in a lovely boozer with pints at just €5.50

​IT didn’t take much to persuade the Old Commando when a trip to Thurles was suggested at HQ this week.

“The home of GAA, sure why wouldn’t we go there? Will I bring the toothbrush and we’ll make a weekend of it?” he asked the rest of the travelling party.

With a designated driver available we decided not to waste any money on accommodation and agreed it would be much better spent on Guinness — lots and lots of Guinness!

Following a two-hour journey in which the Old Commando gave us a full history lesson about Thurles and the establishment of the GAA there in 1884, we finally arrived in the north Tipperary town.

With parking available directly opposite Michael Hickey’s pub on the edge of town, our designated driver pulled in immediately citing as good a reason as any for choosing this pub.

“This will save us going into the heavy traffic and we can make a quick getaway,” he declared as we took off our seatbelts.

“A quick getaway? We’re not here to rob the place,” the Young Commando jokingly replied.

We admired the stone faced exterior of Hickey’s pub, although the timber sections around the windows and the double doors could do with a coat of paint.

Thankfully, that was one of the few negative things we had to say about this pub as our Commandos thoroughly enjoyed their time in this busy boozer on Cathedral Street.

A very tall, young barman was working when we arrived and we noticed he had to stoop under the v-sheeting covered ceiling while pulling pints in the bar.

Guinness Zero, Rockshore lager, Fosters and Orchard Thieves are all available on draught and the creamy pints of original stout we ordered cost €5.50. The cream leather barstools were cracked and torn in parts but the red velvet covered seating along the outer walls was in good shape.

A separate section just off the main bar has a pool table, with a small group of women playing during our stay. There was a decent atmosphere in the bar as the locals watched the live sport on the TV.

Coat hangers are available along the counter and we were happy to be perched as close as possible to the taps – but also directly across from the lovely stove which was keeping us warm.

The stone wall interior and two yellow brick fireplaces are nice features and there is a very spacious lounge area on the other side of the pub, but it wasn’t in use during our stay.

As expected around these parts, there were Tipperary GAA photos on display for all to see, including the 2010 side that stopped the great Kilkenny side from capturing the ‘five in a row’.

That photo hangs proudly beside the 1916 Proclamation while the Wexford hurlers of 1996 also feature for reasons unknown to us.

Munster rugby fans aren’t forgotten about either, of course, and a framed jersey from their 2008 Heineken Cup victory is also on display at the counter along with individual autographs and a copy of the match programme.

We dispatched the Young Commando to inspect the toilets and he reported back to that they were very clean with two cubicles and two urinals created from old Guinness kegs — very creative.

Our Commandos really enjoyed their time in Michael Hickey’s pub and we’ll certainly call again.

Rating: Four pints out of Five

One for the road:

Barrett’s, The Coachyard Inn – Thurles

Our Commandos were stunned when they arrived to Barrett’s pub on the edge of town in Thurles.

Before we entered the pub the Old Commando reminded us that we’d been here in 2016 but more importantly, he reminded us that our review wasn’t very complementary.

Our review this time around couldn’t be any more complementary. We’re not sure when it underwent a renovation but it looked like it was only yesterday as the furnishings and flooring were in impeccable condition. There was even that new pub/furniture smell!

The young barmaid on duty gave us a lovely welcome and served us immediately but we were surprised to see there were no Guinness drinkers during our visit.

The dark coloured wall panelling was lovely and the pine counter was sparkling clean.

There was a good atmosphere among the mixed clientele and we enjoyed our few pints.

One small suggestion would be to clean the windows and sills outside.

Apart from that, you’re on a winner with a trip to Barrett’s and we’re happy to upgrade our rating to four stars.

Rating: Four pints out of Five