After 140 years, ‘Cheers’ to Co Wexford pub owners as they sell up
AFTER 140 years in the Hart family, Hart’s businesses in Campile have changed hands, continuing the tradition of commerce in the heart of the village and securing jobs in the process.
A final farewell was held for the Hart’s on Sunday, July 21, with family members, customers and friends joining the Harts as they move on from a business they ran together as a family enterprise since the early Eighties.
“There were tears and laughter all day with people recalling old times and coming in to wish us well,” said Helen.
Hart’s employ several staff, all of whom have been retained, with some new staff members expected. The new owners are considering plans to develop the business over the coming years and have been busy meeting their customers, since taking it over.
Hart’s pub, forecourt, shop and adjoining buildings in Campile are now owned by Adamstown based ABS Construction, owned by the O’Shea family, Alan, Stephen, and Brian.
Helen said the Hart’s were happy with the price agreed for the sale – (the premises was on the market since 2022 for around €500,000) – adding that the garage will continue to be leased by its operator. “We had some offers but we just waited for the right moment to sell.”
In 1884, alongside the birth of the Gaelic Athletic Association, Mathew Hart from Kilcock in Kildare, bought the site from Robbie Barron of Campile. It’s a business hub that’s been serving the Campile community with love and laughter ever since.
Hart’s had a great start with the building of the Waterford to Rosslare rail line between 1893 and 1906. Construction on the Shelbourne Co- Op swiftly followed between 1910 and 1919.
Matthew Hart Jnr took over running the business, building a grain store in 1930s and opening the Hart Hotel, which he bought from the Colfer family.
Joe Hart Snr took over running the business in 1942, expanding the grocery and solid fuels aspect of the business.
Joe Hart Jnr and Declan Hart modernised all aspects of the business when they took over in 1985, alongside Declan’s wife Helen. They developed the forecourt and bar and lounge in 2002 and today the Harts run a busy shop, pub and forecourt, while also renting out a premises as a garage.
Joseph and Declan, kept the family tradition going strong, transitioning the business into Hart Brothers (Campile) Limited in 1998, which flourished until its closing on July 14th, 2024.
Over the decades Hart’s has been a champion of community organisations, including sports teams, including Campile FC and Horeswood GAA teams.
Hart’s has a rich history and has been involved in almost every aspect of community life, including when it was used as a mortuary when the Shelbourne Co- Op was bombed by a Nazi fighter plane in 1940 and was also used as a Garda barracks after the formation of the State, up until the new barracks open in 1930.
Known for its sports coverage and welcome, the pub has welcomed many household name faces over the years.
It is a proper local, one of Wexford’s oldest pubs and one which prides itself on looking after its customers.
Known for its strong day time trade with customers from as far away as Hook Head, Hart’s has also regularly been visited by Irish rugby star Tadhg Furlong.
“Over these 140 years, Hart’s has been more than just a business; it’s been a vibrant hub of community life. Who could forget when it doubled as a Garda Station from 1926 to 1932? Or the countless weekly 45 card games from 1983 to 2020, where many a joker card saw some action. We even navigated the wild ride of the Celtic Tiger years and the switch to the Euro in 2002—those were some interesting times!” said Helen.
“And let’s not forget the 2004 smoking ban, which was a breath of fresh air (literally!) for bar staff and patrons alike. We celebrated Horeswood’s first Senior County football final win in 2005 with enough fanfare to last a lifetime! In 2009, we rallied together for a neonatal fundraiser, raising an impressive €17,311.09, (talk about community spirit)! Campile United’s 2011 triumph and the legendary 2012 Chris Banville memorial Christmas jumper party (with a memorable slave auction!) were just a few more highlights.
“Even during the ‘Beast from the East’ in 2018, when the village was snowed in, Hart’s was the place to be for warmth, light, and a bit of craic. And though the COVID-19 pandemic forced the bar to close, our doors remained open in spirit, supporting the community in any way we could.”
From christenings to birthdays, weddings to divorce parties, and even drag queen competitions, Hart’s has seen it all.
“It’s been a place of joy, music, and a bit of mischief, made possible by our wonderful customers, our hardworking family, and our dedicated staff.”
Campile Development Group presented the Hart’s with two trees in recognition of the family’s contribution to the area.
“As we bid farewell, we carry with us all the smiles, laughs, and memories of our final weekend. We’re immensely grateful for the support and friendships we’ve built over the years. Here’s to health, happiness, and to the new owners, Alan, Stephen, and Brian O’Shea – may they continue the legacy with as much joy and community spirit as we have. Thank you, Campile, for an unforgettable 140 years. Here’s to the next chapter!”