Imagine being born in a hotel that later became a cherished family landmark. That’s the story of Declan Groeger, who recently shared his extraordinary childhood memories of Moores Hotel in Cork City for Throwback Thursday. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: Declan wasn’t the only one—his siblings Anita and Eugene were also born in the very same hotel during the 1950s! This isn’t just a tale of a family home; it’s a glimpse into a bygone era when large families were the norm, and hotels doubled as bustling family hubs.
Declan’s story begins with his mother’s Auntie Deasy, a trailblazing businesswoman who purchased Moores Hotel in the 1940s. But here’s where it gets controversial: Auntie Deasy was not only one of Cork’s early female car owners but also a visionary entrepreneur, running the hotel while simultaneously managing Cades Mineral Water in Killarney. Was she ahead of her time, or simply a product of necessity? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Declan’s parents met in the most unexpected way—over a game of billiards at the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) hall next door to the hotel. Their love story led to a 1951 wedding at St Finbarr’s South, with the bride herself cooking the wedding breakfast. And this is the part most people miss: in an era without maternity leave, Declan’s mother juggled motherhood and hotel management seamlessly, raising six children within the hotel’s walls.
The hotel wasn’t just a home; it was a playground. Martin learned to ride his bike in the function room, while Marion recalls younger siblings playing in a makeshift playpen. But here’s a question for you: How many of us can say our childhood home was the backdrop for flooded rivers, bakers’ strikes, and even a fire rescue? Declan’s siblings’ memories paint a vivid picture of a life filled with adventure and community.
Fast forward to the 1970s, and the hotel became the setting for Anita’s wedding reception in 1977—a full-circle moment for the family. But here’s where it gets emotional: the same year, Kieran and Marion married just two days apart, one in Cork and the other in Dublin. Can you imagine the logistical chaos of traveling between cities in 1975? It’s a testament to the resilience of family bonds.
Today, the site of Moores Hotel is now a Premier Inn, but its legacy lives on. Declan and his siblings are reuniting this December to celebrate their parents’ and siblings’ milestones, turning the new hotel into a bridge between past and present. But here’s a thought: As we marvel at Declan’s story, how many of us are preserving our own family histories for future generations? Are we doing enough to keep these memories alive?
Moores Hotel’s history extends far beyond the Groeger family. In the 1920s, it housed the Black and Tans during the Civil War, and later became the headquarters for the Civic Guard, the precursor to the Garda Síochana. But here’s where it gets intriguing: an elderly woman, Frances Haynes, died in the hotel in 1922, a tragic reminder of the turmoil of the time. What other untold stories lie within its walls?
Speaking of bygone eras, let’s talk about coffee. Remember when finding a decent cup between Dublin and Cork was a Herculean task? Pauline, a friend from UCC days, reminisces about silver coffee pots and hot milk in matching jugs at the Imperial and Metropole hotels. But here’s the kicker: today’s coffee culture, with its skinny lattes and ethically sourced beans, is a far cry from the lumpy granules served in roadside cafés. Haven’t we come a long way?
Declan’s story is more than a trip down memory lane; it’s a call to action. Preserve your family’s history, share your stories, and keep the past alive for those who follow. But here’s the ultimate question: What stories are you leaving behind? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!
