AN ICONIC Irish pub in New York has confirmed it is set to close after 57 years in business.
The Neary family confirmed the closure to staff at the pub before penning a letter to customers informing them of the closure.
Located in Manhattan’s East Side the pub first opened their doors on St Patrick’s Day in 1967.
It was ran by Sligo man Jimmy Neary who moved to New York with his wife Eileen, who was from Dublin, and opened the pub with partner Brian Mulligan.
Eileen passed away in 2007 while Jimmy passed away in 2021.
The publican even had a street named after him following his death, with 57th Street named Jimmy Neary Way in 2022.
The pub stayed in the Neary family after Jimmy’s passing and his children confirmed this week that the pub would close it doors for the final time today.
In a letter to their regular customers they said: “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 recognised 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.”
The family expressed their “deep appreciation” for the “outstanding” bar staff, kitchen staff and coat staff both past and present.
They continued: “Additionally, we want to extend a heartfelt 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.”
‘I wanted to go out on top’
Speaking to Grub Street, Jimmy’s daughter Una who has worked at the pub since she was a teenager said she felt it was the right time to close.
She said: “We think it’s the right decision, the right time. I wanted to go out on top. Some people just don’t know when to hang it up and let it go when their time is up, as we all have seen, and we know.”
“For me, it’s just about knowing that my dad’s legacy and everything he built here is always going to be held in the highest regard.
“This street is co-named Jimmy Neary Way — like, it’s complete. Our story is complete, and I am at total peace with it.”
Una confirmed her and her siblings have sold the building to two brothers.
In the letter to their customers the siblings paid an emotional tribute to their parents and said the pub represents their “American dream.”
They said: “Neary’s will always hold a special place in our family’s hearts.
“The success of Neary’s symbolises 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 honour our father’s profound impact on this great city and 57th Street.”
They added: “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.”