Shanachie Owners Discuss Reasons for Closing Restaurant

Gerry Timlin and Ed Egan, owners of the in Ambler announced on March 1 that they would be of the beloved pub at the end of the month.

Egan told Patch, "It's a heart wrenching decision and we’re going to miss it. ... Ambler has become a special place for me.”

Timlin told Patch that they are very saddened to be leaving Ambler. He said the community has been wonderful and he fully intends to continue to be a part of the Ambler community, even without the Shanachie.

Timlin said personal issues have pushed him to make the decision to sell the restaurant. Egan added that there was a combination of things that lead to the decision to sell the Shanachie, saying that they are in a different time and a different place from where they were nine years ago when Egan and Timlin began talking about opening a restaurant.

However, entertainment and weekly specials will run right up through March 31st at the Shanachie, the last day for the restaurant. Tuesdays through the rest of the month will continue feature the traditional Irish music session.

Timlin said they made the announcement to the staff last Tuesday night. He added that there have been people with them for a long time, some that have been with them since they opened seven and a half years ago.

“We have a great and loyal staff,” said Timlin.

Egan told Patch, "From the day we announced we were going to bring an irish pub…to Ambler, the reception we’ve been givien has been fantastic.”

"We have made so many new friends, it has been a wonderful experience," he continued.

Timlin said of his future plans, “I love the business.” However, he added that he also loves the music side of his life as well.

While he couldn’t say for sure if a restaurant was in his future, he could tell Patch, “The music will continue.”

Egan said, "We have been happy and proud to be part of resurgance of such a wonderful place that is Ambler."