After more than four decades of pulling pints, sharing stories and welcoming generations of guests and locals, one of The Tower Hotel's most familiar faces has officially called last orders.
Kieran O'Reilly has retired after an incredible 42 years behind the bar at The Tower Hotel, leaving behind a legacy built on friendship, humour, hard work and unwavering dedication.
To celebrate the occasion, colleagues past and present gathered for a heartfelt retirement celebration, raising a glass to a man whose name has become synonymous with the hotel itself.
Kieran's journey began thanks to a chance conversation with a friend.
"It began with a girl called Mary Ryan," he recalls. "She said they were looking for bar staff and told me to go down and speak to Tom Doran. I came in on Monday, got on very well with Tom and started on the 12th of May 1984. I've been here ever since."
When asked what kept him at The Tower Hotel for 42 years, Kieran's answer came without hesitation.
"100% the staff." "The staff are so friendly, so easy to get on with. I've never met anybody here that has been nasty to me in any way. The kitchen staff, reception staff, upstairs staff... nobody has ever said a bad thing to me in over 40 years. That's a great thing to be able to say."
Across four decades, Kieran has witnessed countless memorable occasions, but one event stands out above the rest, "The Tall Ships," he says with a smile.
"It was the happiest but also the hardest. We worked 12-hour shifts, from 12 in the morning until 12 at night for three days straight. We had a marquee the size of the hotel. It was hard work, but it was some craic."
Having spent over four decades at the hotel, Kieran has seen enormous changes, but in his eyes the hotel has never been as good as it is now, "Now is the best it has ever been because of the amount of work that's gone into the place and the investment from the Neville family. When they do a job, they do it properly".
When asked to describe The Tower Hotel family in just a few words, his answer says it all, "You'd go a long way to get a better one. They're a proper family here. Everyone works together. If you work in this building, you all work together."
Michael O’Neill, General Manager said, "On behalf of the entire team, I want to thank you for your incredible dedication, reliability and professionalism you brought to every shift. You built a loyal community of regular guests and welcomed all our international visitors with a warm Waterford welcome. You have left a lasting legacy in the hotel.”
For 42 years, Kieran O'Reilly has been much more than a barman. He has been a familiar face, a storyteller, a mentor, a friend and an important part of The Tower Hotel's history.
His kindness, humour, loyalty and dedication have left an unforgettable mark on colleagues and guests alike.
From everyone at The Tower Hotel, thank you for 42 incredible years of service. We wish you every happiness in your well-earned retirement.
Cheers to you, Kieran, your seat at the bar may now be on the other side, but you'll always be part of The Tower Hotel family.
