Irish community mourns loss of pub

8:17am Thursday 8th May 2008

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A Irish landmark is to close because of declining numbers of customers.

The Galtymore Dance Club, in Cricklewood Broad-way, will shut in June leaving many residents mourning the loss of what they consider an iconic venue for Celtic celebrations.

Since opening in 1952, the hall has hosted major Irish showbands and dance groups and is renowned as a social focal point for the Irish in London.

The venue's manager, Michael Byrne, couldn't confirm who would be taking over the site, but said: "It is the end of an era.

"I am sure people will miss it but times change and not as many people are attending as they used to.

"It is a big hall but it is not being used to its full potential."

Marian Shiel, 53, of Besant Road, has been going to the hall for 30 years and feels it will leave a large gap in the Irish community.

She said: "As London Irish, we used to go there when we were younger all the time and it's like a home from home. People are going to miss it."

"I feel sorry for the bands that come over from Ireland, because they probably will not be able to pay to come to some of the other venues.

"It really is the end of a era. There is not going to be any heritage left and that makes a difference to us because we have nowhere else to go."