By Paddy McCarthy
I am starting my Out&About with some sad news on one of the most historic Irish establishments in New York City, one that I frequented many a time with an old friend Joe Murphy, RIP, and also with Jeff Cleary, all the way down from Albany for a cocktail or two. It is Neary’s, the famed Irish pub on East 57th Street which has announced that it is to close after 57 years.
Jimmy Neary’s Pub, the renowned Irish restaurant in New York City, is set to close on Friday, July 19. The establishment, which has been a beloved fixture in Manhattan since its opening in 1967, has continued to operate following the passing of its founder, Jimmy Neary, in 2021.
The pub has been a cherished gathering spot, known for its warm ambiance and traditional Irish fare.
The family said: “Dear Neary’s family and friends, after an incredible 57-year run, Neary’s will bid farewell on Friday, July 19th. With heartfelt appreciation and love, we look back on Neary’s remarkable journey on 57th Street (now Jimmy Neary Way!).
“It all began on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, 1967, when our beloved father, Jimmy Neary, and his partner, Brian Mulligan, first opened Neary’s doors.
“From the outset, our father recognized Sutton Place as the perfect location and his instincts proved absolutely correct.
“Over the years, Neary’s has been blessed to welcome patrons from all walks of life—our cherished Sutton Place community, esteemed politicians, religious leaders, television personalities, renowned authors and photographers, sports legends, business leaders, and our dedicated law enforcement and military personnel.
“Our father’s infectious smile, captivating Irish charm, and heartfelt stories, coupled with his deep love of country, faith, and family defined his character.
“He adored his restaurant and cherished every customer, making sure everyone felt like family, whether a longtime regular or a first-time visitor. thank you to several current staff members who have played integral roles in the fabric of Neary’s, specifically Liz Farrelly, Antonio Rosas, James White, Tommie Briody, Gus Alvarez, Saturnino Ponce and Laura Kervabon. We are especially grateful to Mary O’Connor, whose support has been invaluable over the years.
“Neary’s holds countless cherished memories for our family, memories that we will forever hold dear. We hope it has provided our customers with equally wonderful moments. From the depths of our hearts, thank you for making Neary’s a truly magical place.
“We invite you to join us in raising a final toast to our father and to the 57 successful years of Neary’s before we move forward with great excitement for the next chapter in our lives.
“Neary’s will always hold a special place in our family’s hearts. The success of Neary’s symbolizes the American dream achieved by our parents. Our Dad, from Sligo, and our Mom, Eileen, from Dublin, emigrated from Ireland to America where New York City welcomed them with open arms. ‘Jimmy Neary Way’ will forever honor our father’s profound impact on this great city and 57th Street.
“In closing, we are forever grateful for our extraordinary parents who taught us the values of hard work, respect, faith, generosity, gratitude and love of country. We feel their love and support today and always. Mom and Dad, we love and cherish you both.
“With eternal gratitude, The Neary family Una & Tom, Patrick, Adriana, Briana, Sofia & Patrick, Ann Marie, Chip, Ryan, Danny & Matthew, Eileen, Tracy, Gavin & Christina, and our 4-legged baby, Riley.
“P.S. We would be remiss, and our father would not be happy, if we didn’t remind everyone to watch the Neil Leifer documentary on our father called “Neary’s: The Dream at the End of the Rainbow” on Amazon Prime. ”
I am passing this on as I know he had lots of friends from Ireland and USA that should be told of this historical closing.
More sad news now of a gentleman from Dublin who lived in New York for many years. His name was Paul Powell who passed away on on Sunday, peacefully at home surrounded by his family, beloved husband of Fran and cherished father of Laura and Patrick.
Paul was very well known in New York as one of the top serving bartenders to have graced the bartender business when he immigrated to America from Dublin to New York back in the 1980s before he opened his own place called Stephens Green that was very well known in Sunnyside, Queens.
To all who had the privilege of knowing him, his wonderful friends and neighbors from both sides of the Atlantic, Rest in Peace.
It is a very sad Out&About this week! I knew both Jimmy Neary and Paul Powell very well. I wanted to give them both the recognition that they deserve, RIP.
I hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About once more…