Laois barwoman pulls her last pint after 47 years

A Laois barwoman has pulled her last pint after an incredible 47 years of service.

Friday, January 2 2026 marked the end of an era for Mountmellick lady Lily Dalton, who has worked dedicatedly behind the bar of Dowling's Bar in O'Moore Street, since 1979.

Owner Junior Dowling told the Leinster Express / Laois Live more as paid tribute to Lily for her hard work.

"A lot has changed since Lily first came to work with her uncle Eamon Dowling in 1979, from stopping serving warm Guinness, the smoking ban, and the drop in the number of pubs. 

"Back then there were 18 pubs in Mountmellick and now just eight remain, with only two open all day," he said.

"Over the years, I found the experience and knowledge of both Lily and the late Mick Carroll invaluable in running the bar. Lily will be missed by customers, for her extensive knowledge and wit. We would like to wish her and her husband Joe the best in their retirement," the pub owner said.

Lily with customers Joe Carroll and 'Corky'. 

On her last day of work, a large number of friends and customers called in to wish Lily well and reminisce the years with her.

The traditional family pub which adjoins their butcher shop on Moore Street, is in safe hands into the future.

Lily Dalton pictured with Eamon Dowling.

Following the death of Eamon Dowling in 1990, Junior took over the business, and his youngest son Eamon now works there while studying hospitality managment in ACTU Waterford. 

Dowlings Bar has also survived through the severe flood of 2017, when customers calmly kept drinking their pints in the bar.

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