Dublin pub mourns beloved Grogan's bartender as heartbreaking tributes paid

The late Sean Kearney, who worked in Grogan’s Pub. RIP

Heartbreaking tributes are being paid to a beloved Dublin bartender, who will be “sorely missed”. Sean Kearney, who worked at Grogan’s Pub in the city centre for over five decades, died on Wednesday.

As a sign of respect, the pub will close on Tuesday for his funeral. Paying tribute, a spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness we must announce the passing of our great friend and colleague of over 50 years, Sean Kearney. Sean was a much loved institution in Grogans and and will be missed immensely by all here. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. As a mark of respect for Sean and his family, Grogans will be closed on Tuesday 16th April for Sean’s funeral.”

People have taken to social media to remember the well-known figure. One person said: “A proper, wise, kindly old-school barman. Half a century of pulling porter and making magic. A titan of his trade.”

Another wrote: “Sean Kearney was surely a contender for the longest serving barman in the city. Having worked in the International, he spent more than five decades in The Castle Lounge, working with Joe Grogan before Kennedy and Smith acquired the pub in the 1970s. He is immortalised in the stained glass features. I will miss his great recollections and observations. Like Paddy O’Brien before him, he was part of a tradition of skilled barmen who became synonymous with the institutions in which they worked.”

Dozens of condolences have also been posted on RIP.ie. One person said: “My heartfelt condolences to Sean’s family. He will be sorely missed in Grogan’s, particularly by the regulars, with whom he would unfailingly find time to have a chat and a laugh. Whenever the pub was busy, and seats hard to come by, Sean made it his business to ensure that familiar faces found a comfortable perch, often going so far as to leave empty glasses on a table, to deter blow-ins from a favoured spot. R.I.P.”

Another wrote: “Sean was a wonderful man, a rock in the bar, and a gentleman. condolences to the Kearney family and staff in Grogans.”

Someone else added: “So sorry to hear this news.Sean was a lovely man.He served drinks to 4 generations of my family in Grogans over the years.My grandfather, my father and his siblings,myself and my siblings and lately my daughters..Rest in Peace Sean..”

Others described him as “a gorgeous human” and “an absolute gentleman who at all times looked after his customers very well”

His funeral notice reads: “The death has occurred of Sean Kearney of Palmerstown, formerly of Clonbollogue Co. Offaly and Grogan’s bar. Passed away peacefully in St. James’s Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

“Beloved husband of Theresa and loving Dad to Shauna and Laura. Dadó of Mary and Lowri, very sadly missed by his family, sons-in-law Joe and Craig, brother M.P. and sister Mary, special family friend Janice, nieces and nephews, relatives, wide circle of friends and neighbours.”

Mr Kearney’s funeral will take place at The Church of St. Matthews, Ballyfermot at 11.30am on Tuesday.

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