Final day of business on New Year's Eve at legendary Tipperary bar for Tim and Lucy

Today, New Years Eve, is the last day of trading in the legendary Princess Bar in Clonmel for Tim and Lucy Clarke who have announced their retirement.

Tim and Lucy Clarke are closing the Princess in Irishtown after 39 years in business in Clonmel.

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“We had a wonderful time in Clonmel but it is time for us to retire now, and we want to embrace retirement. Clonmel was a great town for us. We took everybody under our wing. Our customers lives were our lives as well. People were so good to us,” said Lucy.

Lucy said they were very emotional at the thought of closing the doors to the pub, but they knew it was time go after 39 years.

Tim and Lucy hosted their final Christmas Party at the Princess and a great night was had by all.
Mayor of Clonmel Cllr Pat English said the closure was another big loss to the town and to the Irishtown area.

“The Clarkes were well-liked, and the people of the town had great time for them. A lot of people will be sorry to see it go,” said the Mayor.

Tim and Lucy sent a message of thanks to all of their customers and the people of Clonmel for their support.
“We held our last annual Christmas Party, and what a night it was. We hope everyone enjoyed it as much as we did. Since 1987, the Princess Bar has been our home. Over the years, we’ve shared so many great nights, made lifelong friends, and built memories we’ll always treasure. Now the time has come for us to hang up the keys and embrace retirement. The Princess Bar will close its doors to the public for the final time on December 31, 2025.

“We want to sincerely thank each and every one of you for the support, laughter, chats, and craic over the years. Without you, the Princess Bar simply wouldn’t have been what it was.

“Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts,” said the retiring couple.
Cllr Richie Molloy, expressed his sadness that the legendary Princess Bar in Irishtown is due to close at the end of this year.

Cllr Molloy paid tribute to Lucy and Tim for their hospitality over the years. Richie said his late father Simon Molloy, was a regular customer over many years and the atmosphere was always fantastic in the Princess. He said the Annual Family Carers Ireland’s Car Treasure hunt always finished up in the Princess and the organisation was very grateful for the great welcome that was always given to him and the organising committee.

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Cllr Molloy said that Tim and Lucy and everyone at the Princess will be sadly missed by everyone in Irishtown and indeed by all of their many customers.