There’s GAA-rgle galore in legendary hurler Pat Fox’s bar in Cashel with pints at €5.40

​IT was our first trip to Cashel for seven years and there’s no better time to visit than during the busy summer months when it’s sure to be packed with tourists.

After our two hour journey we came off the M8 and past the famous rock as we arrived in Cashel town centre. The Old Commando was hungry for porter and when he spotted Pat Fox’s pub he suggested we check it out in memory of the late great Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh.

“A Rabbitte chasing a Fox around Croke Park as Mícheál would say,” the Old Commando reminisced. “There’ll be plenty of porter and yarns to be told in here — come on and check it out,” he said as led the way.

The black exterior was in decent condition and we noticed that live trad music was advertised for Thursday nights. Perhaps we’ll have to come back for that.

There was a predominately male clientele, most of whom were young to middle aged and some of whom were a little worse for wear.

A lovely blonde haired barmaid named Tracey served us without delay and our Commandos were very complementary of her work ethic as she kept on the move throughout our stay, finding work for herself and never standing idle.

They have a variety of drinks available on draught such as Coors, Birra Moretti, Tuborg, Fosters and Orchard Thieves and creamy pints of Guinness, which cost €5.40 each.

The red leather barstools at the counter were in good condition as was the green velvet covered wall seating across from the counter. We counted four TVs in the front bar where we sat, as well as a jukebox, three gaming machines and a pool table.

Our seats weren’t carefully chosen but as luck would have it we managed to be seated next to a glass cabinet which was full of GAA awards and medals that the owner and former Tipperary hurling star Pat Fox accumulated over his distinguished career.

“That’s a fair haul of trophies and prizes,” the Old Commando said as looked on in awe.

“Hurler of the year, two All-Ireland titles, five Munster titles, man of the match in an All-Ireland final, three All-Stars, top scorer in an All-Ireland series and three U21 All-Irelands in a row,” the Old Commando said, listing the accomplishments of the pub owner while checking out the glass cabinet of achievements.

“He mustn’t have been too bad so,” the Young Commando said cheekily.

It would have made the Old Commando’s day had the former Tipperary hurler appeared behind the counter but unfortunately he didn’t on this occasion.

There is a large smoking area/beer garden at the rear of the pub and the Young Commando informed us that there was a young clientele in this area and a good mixture of male and female customers.

He inspected the toilets while browsing around the pub and reported back to us that were quite basic and small with one cubicle and one small stainless steel urinal.

Photographs of the Tipperary hurlers from 1991, 2001 and 2010 are all proudly displayed and the young minor footballers from 2011 also get some space on the wall.

“They’ve even got photos of the Galway, Cork and Antrim teams from 1980, ’84 and ’89 respectively up on the wall,” the Young Commando informed us.

We really enjoyed our few pints in Fox’s pub and we’ll certainly call again.

Rating: Three pints out of Five

One for the road:

City Bar – Cashel

THERE was a great atmosphere in the City Bar in Cashel when Pub Spy and the team stopped off for a quick pint.

Unusually, the majority of the clientele was female during our stay and cocktails were the most popular drink too.

A sign behind the bar was advertising all pints for €5 and the Old Commando said we needed to even things up and get the taps flowing — so we did.

There was a lively atmosphere and the young blonde barmaid served us without delay. She was on a first name basis with most of the ladies in the pub and treated everybody very well.

Forged Irish stout was available on draught and it’s the first time we’ve seen it outside Dublin.

The green coloured wall panelling was nice and the timber floor was swept clean.

There is one TV and a projection screen and the toilets seemed to be clean but definitely need additional lighting.

Rating: Three pints out of Five