The Pub That Refused To Die

A powerful new documentary capturing the true story of one village’s stand to save its last remaining local pub premiered on Saturday, 28 February 2026 at the Dublin International Film Festival.

Making its official global big-screen debut as part of the festival’s programme, The Pub That Refused To Die is directed by award-winning Irish filmmaker Gar O’Rourke, whose film Sanatorium was selected as Ireland’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 2026 Academy Awards.

The documentary tells the story of 26 residents of Kilteely who united to save the heart of their community before it was lost forever. When long-time publican Noreen Ahern was no longer able to keep Aherns open, the village faced losing its last remaining shared social space and, with it, a vital hub of connection and community life. Rather than accept its loss, 26 locals from across the village came together to buy, reopen and relaunch the newly named Street Bar, despite having no prior hospitality experience.

When Heineken learned of their efforts, it stepped in to support the group, providing business advice, bar staff training through the Heineken Ahhh-cademy, and ensuring they were set up with the right tools and equipment to help them not only reopen, but begin rebuilding the business for the long term.

Today, the renewed pub has become a thriving community space once again, a symbol of pride and what people can achieve together.

While the film centres on one Irish village, it reflects a much bigger issue: Ireland has lost an estimated 2,100 pubs between 2005 and 2025, around one every three to four days, while the UK saw 375 closures across England, Wales and Scotland in 2025 alone, almost one pub shutting every day. Sociologists describe pubs as vital “third places”, and when they disappear communities lose more than a business, social connection erodes and isolation increases.

Following its premiere at the Dublin International Film Festival, Heineken will take The Pub That Refused To Die on the road and into the heart of rural communities to share the story and encourage others to follow in Kilteely’s footsteps. Throughout March, Heineken and Kilteely’s new pub owners will take the film across Ireland, using it as both a source of inspiration and a practical guide for communities facing similar challenges.

Each screening will conclude with a live Q&A, offering audiences the chance to hear directly from the Kilteely shareholders alongside a local Heineken representative. More than a one-off documentary, the film is the foundation of a wider campaign designed to turn inspiration into action, sparking meaningful conversations and empowering communities to reimagine what’s possible for their local pubs.

To support those inspired to embark on a similar journey, Heineken is also launching a new online resource hub to provide tools, guidance and inspiration to help communities safeguard their local pubs.

Gar O’Rourke said: “When I first heard the story of the Kilteely locals coming together to save their pub, I knew it would be a special film to make. It’s a true underdog story, rooted in community, resilience and quiet determination. When Heineken reached out about helping bring the story to life, it felt like a natural fit given their long-standing connection to pubs and the communities around them. Spending weeks on the ground with the people of Kilteely, the real reward became the process itself, working directly with a community that met us with warmth, generosity and great humour. That spirit runs through the film, and it’s what ultimately makes this story so powerful.”

Nabil Nasser, Global Head of Heineken, said: “Pubs have always been where real social connection happens, and that’s something we’ve championed at Heineken for generations. The Pub That Refused To Die is a powerful reminder of what communities stand to lose when these spaces vanish and what becomes possible when people come together to protect them. Through initiatives like Pub Museums, Pub Succession and Starring Bars, we’ve shown our long-standing commitment to supporting the places that keep social life alive. We were proud to support the villagers of Kilteely and help hero their story, one that celebrates the simple, human beauty of social connection, and the pubs at the heart of it.”

Bruno Bertelli, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Creative Officer of LePub Worldwide, added: “What makes pubs truly special is the community that gathers there, the connections they forge, and the stories they share. The Kilteely 26 reminded us that protecting these spaces is about more than business, it’s about safeguarding the heart of that community. Through For the Love of Pubs, we aim to inspire and equip others to take action, showing that creativity and collaboration can breathe new life into what matters most.”

For decades, Heineken has been part of Ireland’s pub landscape, witnessing first-hand the vital role pubs play in fostering conversation and community. This renewed investment reinforces the brand’s long-term commitment to supporting the trade, not only celebrating pub heritage, but actively helping to secure its future. Through For the Love of Pubs, Heineken continues to turn purpose into action, championing pubs as essential spaces for human connection.