An Tearmann celebrates, one year on

A celebration yesterday marked a year since An Tearmann reopened after the cafe had been closed for several years due to Covid, writes Brian Byrne. The business was revived in 2024 by David Hogan and his wife, Salima, with the cooperation of Camphill Communities of Ireland. 

At the event, David introduced Simon Pallister as the man behind the revival of a cafe described as ‘the beating heart of Kilcullen’. Simon explained that, with his wife, Hilary, he had set up a petition in December 2023 that gathered 1,500 signatures. “This showed the enthusiasm of the people of Kicullen to see An Tearmann reopen. I contacted Camphill to inform them of the community's views, and then David and Salima arrived. Now we get the lovely aroma of coffee again as we walk down the street.” He presented David Hogan with the sheaf of petitions as a keepsake. 

Cllr Tracey O’Dwyer told those present that the An Tearmann situation had been of genuine concern to the people of Kilcullen. “We thought it might never open again. But I suppose Camphill wanted to find the right fit with their ethos, and I think they couldn’t have found better than David and Salima — what they have brought to An Tearmann is phenomenal.” Noting the cafe’s policy of employing Camphill service users under the My Dream Job initiative, she name-checked Stuart, Alan, Maggie and Christina. “You know when you come here you are made to feel very welcome,” she said, adding that David and Salima had reinvigorated An Tearmann. “This is a place to switch off the world outside, have your cup of tea or coffee, and relax and have a chat.”

Cafe manager Patsy Simion said it had been a really great year for the enterprise. “It was hard to know if we could capture the whole essence of Camphill, but we tried to do it to the best of our ability, and everything about it is extremely positive.” She thanked all the staff, both full and part-time, who had made it all possible.

For his part, David Hogan also thanked everybody involved. “When you talk to people, to find out how things are going, everybody comes back saying it’s all about the staff. For me, that’s a wonderful thing, to keep An Tearmann running with the people that we have.” He also thanked Salima and his family for their support in bringing it all together.

A message from Camphill Communities of Ireland congratulated the team on their successful first year, additionally thanking David and Salima for being excellent partners, ambassadors and advocates for Camphill. 

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