Pool gaining popularity beyond pubs with professional tours and world championships
Pool has evolved significantly from a casual pub game to include professional tours, world championships, and structured competitive leagues across Ireland. The All-Ireland Championships draw approximately 2,000 players annually and are held in County Mayo every year, reflecting the sport's growth.
Further coverage
The Strokestown Development Heritage Group has successfully brought home a historic printing press that was used to publish the Strokestown Democrat newspaper from 1907 to 1948. The machine had been donated to Bunratty Folk Museum in the 1990s but has now been recovered and returned to Strokestown. The press, made between 1830-1850, weighs six tonnes and requires significant restoration work to preserve this important piece of local heritage.
An Irish emigrant who worked in Australian cafes has successfully opened Morning Glory Cafe in Carrick-on-Shannon, defying initial skepticism from locals. The cafe, which opened approximately two and a half years ago, has become a community hub and won the Best New Comer award. The owner credits Australian coffee culture and support from the local community, including GAA teams and schools, for the business success.
Acai bowls, a Brazilian berry-based breakfast dish, have rapidly become popular across cafes in the region. Morning Glory Cafe owner introduced them about a year into operation after connecting with supplier Jared Alexander in Galway. The trend has spread widely, with most cafes in the region now offering the product.
The Strokestown Development Heritage Group has received confirmation that a local well will be opened up and examined as part of their broader heritage preservation efforts. This follows their successful retrieval of the historic printing press and reflects the group's commitment to documenting and preserving Strokestown's local history.
The Strokestown Democrat was founded in 1907 by brothers Paddy and Owen Moran and operated until 1948, publishing nationalist content during a sensitive period including the 1917 election and anti-conscription campaigns during WWI. The Moran brothers faced significant harassment and arrest for their editorial choices but continued publishing despite the dangers. The newspaper expanded beyond news to print leaflets, dance tickets, and other materials, becoming a vital community resource.