How it’s New York: Hugh O’Lunney was an Iconic New York Publican
How it’s Irish: County Cavan native Hugh O’Lunney
Yesterday I learned of the passing of a dear friend to myself and many of those I know in the NY Irish community. For over 4 decades Hugh O’Lunney was the host with the most at his establishments around New York City, most memorably at O’Lunney’s Times Square which became a staple in the midtown area and a gathering place for tourists and theatre workers alike.
Hugh passed away at the age of 85 on Thursday February 18th, following a battle with cancer and was waked on Monday, February 22nd, from 5pm to 9pm in Yonkers at:
Hodder Farenga Funeral Home
899 McLean Avenue
Yonkers, NY
(914) 237-5800
His funeral will be tomorrow, February 23rd at 10:45am at:
St. Barnabas Church
4343 Martha Avenue
Bronx, NY
Mass cards can be sent to:
The Lunney Family
180 Kneeland Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10705
Born Hugh Lunney in County Cavan, Ireland, he added the “O'” in deference to his family as this connotates “son of” when placed before a surname in the Irish language.
Every time you crossed the threshold of his establishment you were greeted by his twinkling grin and a good time would ensue. I followed his rise through 3 different locations to the final shining star that was his massive pub and restaurant on 45th Street just off Times Square. For the past 15 years I arranged a party for the nearly 100 folks that made up the confetti crew in Times Square every New Year’s to warm up and celebrate following the ball drop. He would greet everyone with his signature charm and ensure that we were all well-watered and fed into the morning hours.
This establishment was so dear to me that my husband and I were married there in 2018 and it was everything we could have ever dreamed of. He was there with us every step of the way, his incredible staff ensuring that each detail was meticulously attended to. This was true of every group that held events there, from small gatherings to Irish groups, corporate parties or other cultural groups that shared the wonderful upstairs space he had with its bar and piano.
Music was always a big part of his life, and you were sure that if there was a popular Irish artist playing at one of the midtown venues. Hugh would likely be spotted in the audience and then invite them back to his pub for a meal or a drink afterwards. He was a great supporter of local Irish musicians, featuring live music in his bar most nights, and special events during the St. Patrick’s Day season. Most St. Patrick’s Days I would run out of the office at lunchtime to meet a friend or two for a pint amidst the Pipers, NYPD and FDNY members and throngs of revelers taking refuge after the parade and continuing the celebrations.
There was hardly a time when I went to his pub that I didn’t see him at some point during the visit, and regularly a drink or a dessert would appear with the quote “that’s with Mr. O’Lunney!” He even managed to spot me through the window of other establishments in the midtown area, and magically a drink would appear in front of me, with a smiling Hugh waving outside the window, wishing me and my friends a lovely evening.
With the pandemic striking the midtown area, and his health failing, his flagship restaurant and pub sadly closed for good last summer, but his legacy will live on. I’m sure that his children, who were raised in his business and share his warm and consistent hospitality will bring O’Lunney’s back to us in some form when things open up again.
I’ll raise a glass and sing a song to you, Hugh, and thank you for your endless kindness, sincere warmth and love that made your pubs a true home away from home! Rest well Hugh!
