'A Limerick institution': tribute paid to cafe owner and historian Reporter: '); '); RICHARD Coughlan, who owned Limerick’s legendary Treaty Cafe in Nicholas Street has been described as a “Limerick institution”. Dick, as he was known to friends, was well-known across the showband world for running the cafe, which opened all night in order to ensure musicians were not left unfed after playing concerts in Limerick. He sadly passed away at home over the weekend. Former councillor John Gilligan said he was widely known across Limerick. “Back in the days of the showbands when there were 600-700 on the road, Dick was the first person who left the cafe open all night, until 3am or 4am. Showbands when they were finished, they had really no place to eat. The restaurants would have closed around 10pm, that kind of a way,” he said.