Historic Athy pub to close after 120 years

DOYLE’S calls it a day in Athy By Finian Coghlan A PART of Athy history is to close its doors next month when Doyle’s Bar calls it a day after 124 years of trading on Woodstock Street.

This was confirmed by the present owner Willie Doyle, the third generation of the family to serve in this venerable institution.

“Yeah, we’ll be closing after the May Bank Holiday,” said Willie (63).

“The bar was established by my grandfather (William) in 1905. He went to Brooklyn where he leased a bar for five years.

“He did well for himself and came back to buy the bar, and then my father (Bertie) took it over.

“I’ve been in the business for 45 years since I did the Leaving Cert in 1981.

“The reason I’m leaving is that I need two new knees and I’ll be out for a year and a half before I’m back on my feet.

“I’ll be 65 then so I’m not coming back”.

The pub was an Irish classic, and had a grocery attached until 1975, but “there used to be a pig fair on Woodstock Street in the 60s and 70s”.

Katie Tyrell’s wake

The Kildare Nationalist asked Willie what his plans for the business ar going forward, but he was quite emphatic.

“I wouldn’t sell it as a going concern because I live beside and over the pub, so we’d never sleep with every little noise and not being in control,” explained Willie.

“We never did food, or even soup and a sandwich, but we’re famous for our cheese and crackers, and our pint of Guinness.

“John Minihan took the famous photo of Katie Tyrell’s wake here in the 1970s.

”We’ve always had a strong connection with Castlemitchell GAA club.

“They’re the country club in Athy but they’re still in the parish.

“I’d like to thank all our staff over the years, and all the part-time staff over all that time, but especially Brian Day, who’s been with us for 25 years,” said Willie.

“We’d also like to thank all the customers who have become such good friends over the years.

“My wife (Karen) and I love travelling, and so we’d love to see a bit of Europe, and not have to worry about rushing back,” he said when asked what was next.

“We’ve plenty of ideas but that’s the story – or at least the gist of it,” he smiled.