'Shock' and 'disappointment' at sudden closure of Limerick pub
JERRY O'Dea's bar on Mulgrave Street, Limerick city has closed its doors for the final time, Limerick Live has learned.
Staff at the pub, synonymous with its late proprietor and Fianna Fail councillor Jerry O'Dea, are said to be "shocked and devastated" at the closure. Four full-time staff and four part-time were employed.
Limerick Live understands staff were informed on Friday that there was a meeting to take place on Saturday with an accountant. It was at this meeting they were told the pub was closed as of midnight, Friday, January 6.
The 21st birthday party of a young woman had been booked to take place at the venue on Saturday night. She had to be contacted and was told it was cancelled much to the disappointment of the young woman and indeed the staff who endeavoured to have the bar continue on for one more night to accommodate her.
Staff also spoke very highly of the late Jerry O'Dea, who passed away suddenly last June.
"He was not just a boss, he was a true friend and gentleman to all his staff and really took good care of us," one staff member told Limerick Live.
Deputy Willie O'Dea described the closure as a "terrible loss" to Limerick
"I've been holding clinics there myself for the last 40 years. I was due to be there next Thursday night at 8.30pm as usual.
"It was a Limerick landmark. It was famous for people going in there after funerals, functions being held there, engagement parties - it had a very strong local trade so it's a terrible tragedy for the area," said Mr O'Dea.
The closure of Jerry O'Dea's is the second city pub to close this weekend (story below).
The Blue Army, whose main aim is to get Limerick FC fans to as many games as possible, took to Facebook to say it was "very sad news for us all here at the group and Treaty United FC fans hearing the shocking news that Jerry O'Dea's bar has closed its doors".
"The pub helped make this group what we are today in many ways, had many great nights and memories down through the years for us all and where we all made friends for life.
"Jerry O'Dea, if you are looking down on us thank you for everything - for the countless buses you covered and sponsored and the many free drinks you supplied to our fans. You went above and beyond to make our match day experience one to remember. This is a huge loss for us and the city. To the regulars that welcomed us and the fantastic staff at the bar - thank you for everything. This one hurts," reads the post.
Limerick Live has rang the pub in an effort to obtain a statement but to no avail at the time of publication.