Longford mourns the passing of a legend

There was widespread sadness in Longford on Sunday with the news of the passing of Dessie Hynes. Famed far and wide for his storytelling and general sense of fun Dessie was a larger than life character who impressed all he met.

The story goes that at 14 years of age Dessie threw his schoolbag into the Shannon and started work in his uncle's bar in Galway. From there he moved to Dublin after building up business experience working in landmark institutions like Williams of Tullamore.

He bought and sold pubs until he took ownership of O'Donoghue's of Merrrion Row. The bar was renowned for its music sessions by the likes of the Dubliners, and less melodic drinking sessions.

Longford Westmeath TD, Deputy Joe Flaherty, said the iconic publican will be mourned by his many friends: “It's truly the end of an era with news of the death of Longford's Dessie Hynes (94). Long associated with Lanesboro, he ran a newsagent in tin the 1960s and 70s in Longford before taking the Dublin pub trade by storm.”

Deputy Flaherty said in his time Dessie made history: “When he sold Hynes on Baggot Street for €960k in 1997, it was major news and he embraced 'semi-retirement'. He was best known for his period of ownership of O'Donoghue's Pub in Merrion Row, during which time it became the favoured haunt of musicians, journalists and politicians.”

The Longford influence on that public house continues: “He would sell that bar to Ollie Barden and family so the strong Longford link thankfully continues. The iconic pub was a favourite for Ronnie Drew & The Dubliners and today the walls still host several photos of Dessie and the band members.”

On one occasion Dessie ran for the Dáil in Dublin South as an independent: “He was always passionate about Longford and remembered a tough childhood as his mother died of TB when he was 11 and two of his sisters were sent to an orphanage.”

Predeceased by his wife, Celine; daughter, Annette, he spent his latter years in Wexford and his passing is mourned by his nine children, Thomas, Geraldine, Tony, Therese, Paul, Aideen, Winter, Kevin and Nina.

Deputy Flaherty said Dessie will have an enduring legacy: ““He might have been small in stature but his personality filled the biggest of rooms. When he exited the pub trade and contemplated retirement he said he would love to get a job chatting with Americans outside the Gresham. Well they won't be short on conversation up there tonight!”