Photographed By William Murphy - Select Image To View Photographs

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WAS BROGAN'S PUB

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I caught 61 John Street Upper in that awkward "in-between" phase. While there was a lot of buzz about a February 2026 opening, my first-hand experience of the site matches the reality of major pub renovations—the "precise opening date" remains a moving target as interior works continue.

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The New Chapter: McSorley’s Kilkenny

The new venture is taking over the prominent site at 61 John Street Upper. While it shares a name with the legendary New York institution (founded by Kilkenny native Matty Maher), this Kilkenny iteration is part of a strategic expansion by a high-profile Irish hospitality group.

The Owners: The pub has been acquired by Grand Slam Bars, a group led by managing director Noel Anderson (former Chair of the Licensed Vintners Association).

The Rugby Connection: The group's ownership includes Irish rugby legends Jamie Heaslip, Sean O’Brien, Rob Kearney, and Dave Kearney.

The Vision: Following their successful model with Lemon & Duke and The Bridge 1859 in Dublin, the owners intend to position McSorley’s as a "state-of-the-art" late bar. Expect a heavy focus on sports (naturally), live music, and a premium cocktail menu, all while retaining the "soul" of a traditional local.

The Departure of Brogan’s

Brogan’s Bar (formerly Shem’s) was a staple of Kilkenny’s nightlife for seven years after opening in December 2017.

The Brogan Legacy: It was owned by Dublin GAA icon Bernard Brogan (a five-time All-Ireland winner). The connection to Kilkenny was personal; Bernard’s parents, Bernard Snr and Marie, lived in the city in the 1970s, where Bernard Snr actually trained with the Kilkenny football team.

Why did it close? While a single "official" reason is rarely cited for such high-profile closures, several factors contributed:

Challenging Business Climate: Like many in the Irish hospitality sector, the pub faced soaring utility costs, increased labour costs, and the "VAT hike" that hit the industry hard in late 2023/2024.

Refocusing Energy: The owners indicated a desire to refocus their efforts on other parts of their business portfolio rather than maintaining the high-overhead late-bar model in Kilkenny.

Renovation Requirements: The building required significant investment to maintain its "late bar" status and appeal to a modern crowd, leading to the eventual sale to Grand Slam Bars.

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