'One of the best' - Huge sadness over death of legendary Offaly publican
Pat Larkin ran Larkin’s Bar in Edenderry for many years having taken over from his own father who set up the first family pub in 1928. Pat’s son Patrick Larkin is the current proprietor as the family business approaches 100 years in operation.
There is a profound sadness around the town of Edenderry this week following the death of well-known publican Pat Larkin Snr.
Born in his father’s pub in Edenderry in 1938, Pat passed away “peacefully at home” in the town on Monday at the age of 87. The legendary publican is being remembered as a gentleman and “one of the best” in Edenderry where he spent his whole life and ran Larkin’s bar for many years.
The pub is now run by Pat’s son Patrick but the family’s affinity with business in the town extends all the way back to 1928. Pat’s own father (also Pat) initially ran The Central Bar near the square before the family pub moved to its current home on JKL street in 1970. He added an undertaker business in 1971 and a funeral home in the late 1980s.
He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 62 years, Stasia, his children Geraldine, Denise, Patrick and Sinéad, sister Mary (Manzor), grandchildren Robyn, Finn, P., Sean, Sarah-Michelle and Sorcha, daughter-in-law Jo-ann, son-in-law Sunil, Sinéad's partner Alrick, brother-in-law Larry, sisters-in-law Frances, Mona and Angela, nephews, nieces, especially Caroline Murphy, cousins, relatives and friends.
Tributes from far and wide have been paid to Pat Larkin in recent days with local entertainer PJ McCormack describing him as “one of the best,” adding that he was “a pure gentleman and a great character.”
Another local wrote: “Sincere condolences to the Larkin Family on the sad passing of Pat, a husband, father and grandad. Pat was a true gentleman. He always had a word for everyone. Thinking of you all during this sad time. May Pat's gentle soul Rest in Peace.”
A third said: “It’s the end of an era with the passing of this legend. He ran a great house. My sincere condolences to Stacia, Geraldine, Denise and Patrick and all of Pat's family and friends.”
Another condolence read: “Pat was a gentleman who will be sadly missed in Edenderry and the surrounding area, he had a word for everyone and was respected by all. A special word of condolence to Patrick, who oversaw my mother’s funeral only 3 weeks ago with such professionalism and was a pleasure to deal with in those difficult days. May you all remember the good times with Pat and may he rest in peace.”
Funeral Arrangements:
Pat will repose at Larkin's Funeral Home, Edenderry (R45 VK24) this Wednesday from 4pm to 8pm with Rosary at 8pm. Pat will be removed from Larkin's Funeral Home on Thursday to arrive at St. Mary's Church, Edenderry for 12 noon Funeral Mass, followed by burial in St. Mary's cemetery. You can also take part in Pat's Funeral Mass via the webstream link here.
The family would like to thank you for your kindness and support at this sad time.
Family flowers only please, donations to your preferred charity.
The family would like to thank the carers and his medical team who looked after Pat with compassion and kindness during his illness.