Galway millionaire businessman, Declan Ganley – who failed in his bid to build a billion dollar mobile network in Mexico this week – has instead turned his attention to operating a rural pub in the north of the county.
The 48 year old, who has business interests across Europe, Russia and the United States, was in Tuam District Court on Tuesday obtain the certificate of transfer for the Derreen Inn which is located within a couple of miles of Abbeyknockmoy on the main N63.
However, it is unlikely that customers will see Declan Ganley inside the counter pulling pints although he informed the court that he was familiar with the licence trade – even though he did not drink himself.
In the witness box at Tuam District Court, Mr Ganley, in response to his solicitor Tony O’Doherty, said that there was no legal impediment why he should not get the certificate of transfer of the public house.
He told Judge Grainne O’Neill that he was familiar with the Intoxicating Liquor Act and he gave an undertaking that there would be no under-age drinking on his premises.
Mr Ganley said that he would be developing the pub to cater for families and would also be seeking a restaurant licence.
“I will ensure that there will be no underage drinking on the premises,” he assured the Judge.
See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.