A POPULAR Carlow pub has served its last pints after 38 years, leaving loyal locals gutted.
Dicey Reilly’s on Centaur Street in Carlow shut down for good last weekend.
Punters paid tribute to Dicey Reilly’s as it closed up, saying they’d ‘never have another pub like it’[/caption]
Owner Michael O’Reilly has retired as publican at the beloved watering hole after almost four decades at the helm.
He originally rented the pub with his mother before he ended up buying it.
Announcing his retirement to devastated punters, Michael said: “I’ve made a lot of friends in this pub.
“This is a great little pub, a savage pub with savage people and savage singers.”
Locals turned out to bid Dicey’s farewell at a special Last Song With Mick evening last Sunday.
Confirming their final festivities last week, the Dicey’s team said: “So next weekend is the end – Friday 13th Mick 10pm, Saturday 14th Mick 10pm.
“Sunday 15th The Last Song with Mick, the pub will open at 6pm,
there is no booking tables so please make sure your in early for a seat. Find the Ace of Hearts €3,700 has to be won.
“Lets make this a weekend to remember.”
Dicey’s had played host to hordes of musicians over the years, with singers who played regularly at the venue paying tribute to Michael.
One called it the “end of an era” while others thanked Mick for giving them the space to share their talent.
Another said: “You’ve kept the music going over the years with karaoke, live music.
“I started playing there over 30 years ago and finished just a few weeks ago. It’s your own love of music that’s kept it going.”
Tributes from locals flooded in for publican Mick and his partner Mary after news of the closure emerged.
One person said: “Fabulous pub that will be missed by all.
“Best wishes Michael and Mary and thanks for the wonderful hospitality you gave to all your customers and to me any time I was in over the years.
“Lovely tribute from Danny & the musicians, enjoy your retirement Michael.”
‘GREAT MEMORIES’
Another person wrote: “There will never be another pub like it, had all my family special occasion parties in Dicey’s, and what great memories we have.
“Wishing Mick and Mary all the best, enjoy your retirement, well deserved after all your hard work, Diceys will be missed.”
One more added: “Mick, you never had a customer, you had nothing only friends. And you were a true friend to all who came to your bar.
“I want to thank you so much for all the support and friendship you gave me.
“You will retire tonight with a huge extended family and will forever have our love and friendship.
“I really hope you have a great night buddy, and once again, sorry I couldn’t make it over.
“I look forward to having a pint and a catch up with you real soon. Have a great night.”
Another punter said: “Best of luck Mick for the future, I loved going down to Dicey Reilly’s Carlow, one of my favourite pubs, you’re gonna be missed big time.”
The latest pub closure comes after it emerged a major Dublin store is shutting down in a big blow to shoppers.
River Island, which has 24 stores across the Republic of Ireland, will close its Henry Street shop on Dublin’s northside on Friday June 27.
