A Donegal reunion is on the cards for former regulars of famous west London pub, the Hop Poles.
The charity event aims to bring back both fond and hazy memories of the Hammersmith bar, and will take place on Saturday 15th October at the Tara Hotel, Killybegs.
The Hop Poles was taken over by Dungloe couple Jackie and Mary Greene in July 1968 and became a focal point for Irish men and women in London over the next 20 years.
Jackie was heavily involved with Tir Chonaill Gaels GFC at the time, becoming chairman in 1970, and Donegal Gaels were to hold many meetings at the venue, from club AGMs to much less formal occasions.
Alongside the Gaels, all classes of tradesmen and women, especially tunnellers, carpenters, ground workers and gas workers, converged on the Hop Poles around this time.
This continued after Jackie’s sister Elle and her Galway husband Gerry Curley took over the running of the pub in the mid 70s, and up until the pub changed hands in 1975.
Anyone who was about London around that time are invited to come to the Tara Hotel and share memories of drinking with friends on the Hammersmith Broadway.
There will be a buffet on the night and music by Eunan McIntyre, commencing at 7.30pm.
There will be a cover charge of €20 on the night, and also a raffle, with all proceeds going to the Donegal Cancer Bus and Solace Cancer Support Group, Donegal Town.
Accommodation is available at the Tara Hotel (0749741700), Bayview Hotel (0749731950), Fleet Inn (0749731518), The Ritz (0749731309) & Seawinds B&B (0749732003).
For further information please follow @hoppolesreunion on Facebook.
Follow @hoppolesreunion on Facebook for more information.
