Dark cloud over Newbridge following the passing of Vivian Carroll

COMMUNITIES in Kildare are in mourning after the sudden passing of beloved publican Vivian Carroll.

News broke of Mr Carroll’s tragic passing on Tuesday 3 February, and has seen a flood of condolences online from various community figures and local businesses who remember the great man he was.

Vivian was well known all across Kildare. He was from Rathangan originally, but became part of communities in Kildare Town, Newbridge and Kildangan where he lived with his wife Breda and four children. He first learned his trade as a barman in Silken Thomas, before moving onto owning two pubs of his own in Newbridge, Judge Roy Beans and Harrigans.

All who knew him remember the kind, patient and genuine man he was.

Senator Fiona O’Loughlin spoke about the sad news in the Seanad and remarked on the wonderful community man and business man he was:

“He was a leader in every community he was apart of. He was kind, he was the best of us, he was a good person.

“But sadly the light and hope in his life left him yesterday evening. And to say that as a community we are absolutely distraught would be an understatement.

“We always need to have hope and reach out to Samaritans or whoever we can, because there has to be a better way.” Newbridge Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender took to social media to offer his condolences. He wrote:

“Vivian was one of those people you could never just walk past. There was always a joke. Always a bit of slagging. You could have constant banter with him and pick up where you left off. But just as quickly, you would find yourself in a proper conversation about the town, about business, about how things were going. He cared deeply about his work and he cared deeply about Newbridge.

“I even worked for him for a short time, so I saw that side of him up close. He had high standards. He took pride in what he built. But he also looked after people. He wanted the place busy, welcoming, and part of the life of the town.

“Judge Roy Beans and Harrigan’s were more than businesses to him. They were part of the fabric of Newbridge. He backed local clubs, youth groups, Men’s Shed, fundraisers, and countless community efforts. If something was happening locally, Vivian was usually there to support it.

“Most of all, he was so proud of Breda and his four children. He spoke about them often. They were everything to him.

“My heart breaks for Breda, Sadbh, Christian and the twins, and for all of Vivian’s family and friends.

“Newbridge has lost a big presence and a good man. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.” A list of local businesses and community groups shared their condolences online including, Kildare Community Development Association, Sarsfield GAA Club, Kildangan GAA Club, Moorefield GAA Club, The Man Shop, Newbridge, BlueVet Veterinary Clinic, Industrial Fitness Newbridge, Kildangan Scouts, Mani in Pasta, Newbridge, Dubh café, and many others.

Both Judge Roy Beans and Harrigan’s pub have announced that they will remain closed until further notice following the tragic news.