The female duo behind the award-winning Deasy's Restaurant in Ring outside Clonakilty have said that they are calling last orders to enjoy a better work/life balance.
BY EMMA CONNOLLY
THE female duo behind the award-winning Deasy’s Restaurant in Ring outside Clonakilty have said that they are calling last orders to enjoy a better work/life balance.
Elaine Blackwell and chef Caitlin Ruth have been the powerhouse behind the restaurant for 16 years, but say the past 12 months have been their most difficult, which contributed to their decision to close for the last time, this New Year’s Eve.
The Ring road was closed for over nine months this year to accommodate Clonakilty’s flood relief works which Elaine said caused a lot of stress. ‘It was horrendous – trying to balance everything and pay everyone and it was part of my decision. But I’ve three small boys (aged nine, six and two) so it was also for lifestyle decisions,’ she said.
Caitlin Ruth, originally from New Hampshire and in West Cork for 25 years, is also looking forward to a less stressful life.
‘I worked in Dillons in Timoleague for nine years before this, so that’s 25 years working 60 to 70 hours a week,’ she said.
Both women said they wanted to leave at a time that they were still able to maintain the high standards they’re famed for, and to exit on a high. Neither have any immediate plans and are looking forward to some well earned time off.
