Tom Cleary of The Temple Bar has been elected as the new Chair of the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA). He succeeds outgoing Chair Willie Aherne of The Palace, Fleet Street.
Tom has been a career publican, originally working with his parents in The Dropping Well, Milltown before acquiring The Temple Bar in 1992. He has since developed it into an iconic Dublin pub, focusing on authentic Irish hospitality and live traditional music. Tom has also expanded his business interests into hotels, tourist merchandise, cafes and Irish whiskey.
John Byrne of The Burnaby Pub and Restaurant in Greystones has also been elected LVA Vice Chair.
Speaking about the election of Tom Cleary, Donall O’Keeffe, CEO of the LVA said, “We are delighted to have a publican of such gravitas as Tom Cleary take up the role of LVA Chair. Tom is deeply steeped in the trade and has built one of the most highly recognised pubs in Dublin. Having him in this role will be a great asset to our members throughout the year ahead.
“We are also delighted to welcome John Byrne into the role of Vice Chair, another publican who has extensive experience and knows the issues impacting our members. I would also like to pay thanks to our outgoing Chair, Willie Aherne, for his time and commitment to the role over the last year and for all he has done to advocate for the members during this term of office,” Mr. O’Keeffe said.
“It is a great honour to have been elected to this role by my peers, the publicans of Dublin,” said Tom Cleary. “Over the year ahead I look forward to working with the LVA team and our members to continue to press forward the issues of concern to publicans and to help ensure there is a better business environment for pubs all across Dublin,” Mr. Cleary concluded.
