We are writing to you in relation to the University Management Team Operations (UMTO) decision to close the Old College Bar, effective from this summer onwards. We are disappointed and appalled with the decision due to several factors. Firstly, we believe that the Old College Bar is an important aspect of our university’s social and cultural history as well as an indispensable service and facility used by Societies, Clubs and student organisations on campus. Secondly, we are highly disappointed and shocked by the lack of consultation or awareness extended to the Students’ Union and therefore the student body in the making of this decision. This action was taken by a committee which we have never been granted access to and we find it reprehensible that the university did not seek student guidance or input into the closure of a service almost exclusively used by students. Furthermore, we were shocked to learn that this resolution was in fact omitted from the public minutes of the UMTO meeting therefore bringing into question the legitimacy and transparency of the decision making process.  

The Old College Bar has been a part of university life for thirty years. Throughout the years, the space has been used as the main location for 150+ club & society events per college year as well as the vast majority of socials for the 1000+ Club & Society events held each year. Legendary student events such as the Battle Of The Bands, the Clubs & Societies Quiz and Rugby Colours, among so many other events have made use of the laid back, comfortable atmosphere of the Old College Bar.  The Old College Bar provides Clubs, Societies and the Students’ Union  with a venue for informal events that bring in hundreds of euro to better fund  the student experience, as well as raising thousands of euro for very deserving charities.

The Old Bar serves as the live music venue on campus - Irish and international acts such as Rubberbandits, Walking On Cars, Republic Of Loose, Jeffrey Lewis, Fred, HamSandwich, The Frank And Walters and Mickey Joe Harte have entertained thousands of students throughout the years. This history is one we do not want to lose and taking the Old Bar away from students not only affects the social history of the university, it is removing a venue and a home for the creative arts.

It’s with these factors in mind that we must strongly urge you to reconsider your decision. We understand that with time, venues and services must adapt to meet demands and we would be happy to advise and assist in updating and changing the Old College Bar to meet the requirements of UCC students today. However, we will not accept the Old College Bar being removed and will not stand by the loss of our student space and social history. We urge you to reconsider.  

Yours sincerely,

Eolann Sheehan, President of UCC Students' Union
Patricia McCarthy, President of UCC Societies Executive
Michael Hanrahan, President of UCC Clubs Executive