THE STAFF at one of Dublin’s best loved pubs were among those to pay tribute to beloved owner Frank Quinn following his sudden passing from illness.
Employees at Toners on Baggot Street returned to the venue alongside friends of Frank to say goodbye to the much-loved publican who was so much more than just a boss.
While Ireland’s strict social distancing rules prohibited well-wishers from giving “Gentleman” Frank a proper send-off, a video posted to Publin.ie’s Twitter page still captured their unique tribute.
Lining the street outside the iconic 200-year-old establishment, friends and colleagues stood in solemn contemplation alongside the hearse carrying his body while "Mountain of Pomeroy" was played on the uilleann pipes by John Mullin.
It was a fitting send-off for a man who touched the lives of so many in ways both big and small.
A nice tribute to Frank Quinn, owner of Toners who passed this week. Staff gathered outside the pub as Frank was brought by one last time to the sounds of 'The Mountain of Pomeroy' played on the Uileann Pipes. pic.twitter.com/BF0U6Y56id
— Publin.ie (@publinie) April 12, 2020
Frank had been ill for some time, but the news still came as a shock to his brother Michael Quinn.
Announcing the news on Facebook, Michael said: “We are all heartbroken at his sudden passing. As many of you know Frank was ill for a number of months.
“We are relieved that his passing was peaceful.”
A much-loved publican who oversaw many a memorable night at one of Dublin’s oldest and best pubs, friends and customers were quick to pay tribute to Frank.
Nora Tracey described him as a “true gentleman” while Ursula Sherlock recalled how it was always “a pleasure to meet and chat with” Frank.
A death notice from the Funeral Times read: "Sadly missed and deeply regretted by his wife Maura, brothers Sean, Brian & Michael and sisters Kathleen Burns & Margaret McKenna, sisters in law, brothers in law, cousins, nephews, nieces and extended family.
"Fondly remembered and loved by all who knew him, especially his many friends and colleagues; and staff of The Lansdowne Hotel, Toners Pub, The Waterloo Bar, The 51 Bar, staff at Corrigan’s Pharmacy, Malahide Road, Dublin, staff at Rocwell Water, Pomeroy, County Tyrone, all friends and neighbours at Wilderness Lodge, Glenmalure, County Wicklow agus gach daoine sa Gaeltacht Tir Eoghain."
