End of an era as long serving Naas publican passes away

The death has taken place of Tommy Fletcher, the well known Naas publican who owned the eponymous Fletcher's pub at North Main Street.

When he retired in mid-2019, aged in his mid-70s, he was, by some distance, the longest serving publican in Naas.

His landmark atmospheric pub with its wood panelled walls, solid wood floors, stained glass windows and high ceilings is as individualistic as its owner.

The pub pre-dates the Great Famine and opened in 1829.

Originally known as Whelan’s, his father Tom took over the business as proprietor in 1931.

Tom, a native of Johnstown, County Kilkenny,  passed away in 1975 and his wife Anna, Tommy’s mother, passed away in 2004.

Tommy has a sister two years his senior, Mary Farrelly, living in Kells. Another Achilla Rowley and two brothers Willie, the eldest, and John are deceased.

Before taking over the pub he received his primary education at the convent school in Naas and his second level education at Cistercian College Roscrea.

In spite of his years he was fitter and hardier looking than many men younger than him, Tommy looked forward to retirement saying it would bring him more time to pursue his interests of golf and horse racing as well as some travel.

Tommy managed the pub in his own idiosyncratic way: the story of him telling Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood that no singing was allowed on the premises, as he started strumming, is well known.

 It took legs to include Eric Clapton among those who were said to be there at the time.

Tommy outside his pub at 13 North Main Street Pic: Aishling Conway

“He didn’t mind, he came in here later,” recalled Tommy of Wood, who at the time was living near Digby Bridge.

For many years he resisted the urge to have a TV on the premises and even when he retired there was just one, in stark contrast with most other pubs which have several to cater for a multiplicity of sporting tastes.

“I never really thought of changing how the pub looked; most people like it as it is and some think it’s something out of this world.”

He could have been speaking about  himself.

Tommy died yesterday at Naas Hospital after a short illness.

Apart from Mary, he is survived by nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

His funeral takes place to St Corban’s Cemetery, Naas, following requiem mass tomorrow (Wednesday) at 10am at the Church of Our Lady and St. David, Naas.