PUBLICAN, John O’Sullivan, of the Munster Bar has friends and family to thank for limiting the damage of ‘Storm Desmond’ last Saturday night.

As flood waters began to breach the Ballymullen pub, patrons came to help pump water out of the building through the night, limiting damage which could have ran into the thousands of euro.

“It was a battle with Desmond,” said John, speaking to TraleeToday.ie on Tuesday. “He was pouring the water into us and we were pouring the water back out to him,” said John.

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From 5pm Saturday evening until 8am Sunday morning, John and his hardy volunteers pumped water out of the front windows of The Munster Bar with three generator powered water pumps.

Now, only a bare concrete floor where once there was carpet, would give an indication that six inches of flood waters had made their way into the building.

“We pumped water all though Saturday night. The people who were on hand in the night were back again at eight in the morning armed with squeegees, brushes and mops to clean the place out,” said John.

“Patrons came in their droves Sunday morning to give their support and to offer their condolences. And sure, we were delighted to see them and they were delighted to see we were in good spirits.”

Efforts to protect the pub began as early as 9am Saturday morning. John got word the street was flooding outside the pub so he moved quick to get cars out of harm’s way. The place was loaded with sandbags, but by 3pm, Desmond had forced his way into the door of the bar.

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“I was trying to think on my feet, it was a new experience,” said John. “Fortunately one of my patrons was able to access three pumps for me and we had them going all night.”

“I’m fully convinced without the pumps it would have been a lot worse, so I’m forever indebted to my family and friends for staying with me and preventing what could have been a catastrophe.”