'Nenagh has lost a great publican'

Tributes on passing of The Well pub proprietor PJ Shanahan

Tributes were flowing last week in the aftermath of the death of PJ Shanahan, proprietor of The Well pub in Nenagh.

Remembered for his gentle, friendly nature and generosity with his time, PJ was a lifelong supporter of Silvermines GAA, with whom he hurled in his youth, winning county junior honours in 1979. He was also an avid golfer and known for his love of the game.

But he was best remembered for running The Well on the corner of Mitchel and Sarsfield St, a pub that in PJ's time became famed as a live music venue. This was the place where a great many Nenagh musicians got their first opportunity to play live. Many of those who went on to become accomplished musicians in the years since took the opportunity to pay tribute to PJ for his support of local talent.

Among them was Martin Twisty O'Brien, who recalled how at the age of 15 he and Johnny Cummins asked PJ for a gig. “And he gave us a chance,” Martin wrote. “We went in and did our first gig... PJ, thanks for the break as a young lad.”

Martin Ryan, The Freshman, joined in the tributes. “Rest easy, PJ. You kickstarted my music career, as you did many others in Nenagh. The memories will live on.”

Another musician, Johnny McMahon mentioned how the The Well also became a popular venue for darts competitions over the years. “Been going to The Well bar for 35 years and in that time played music, played darts, had some of the best times of my life there,” he said on Facebook. “There will never be a man like PJ again. An absolute legend and a great friend.”

Nenagh & District Darts League also extended condolences to PJ's family. Local darts player Gary Kevin added: “Most people in Nenagh who play darts will know what I'm talking about here. If you're throwing for 20s and hit tops, everyone will say: ‘That's your darts’. PJ Shanahan had a great habit of hitting tops. He was always tops to me. Gave me my first set of darts. Bed of Heaven to you, PJ.”

‘TITAN OF NENAGH NIGHT LIFE’

While himself a big fan of Elvis, PJ was remembered for giving an opportunity to alternative bands to play their music live. “Because of The Well, so many of us became friends and got to experience so much music,” said Trevor Whyte. “It helped shape a lot of our love for music as it was the only place in Nenagh to experience metal. So many great, random memories.”

Simon Cromer posted: “PJ did a huge service to music in Nenagh and kept smiling no matter how loud the music got. He was a kind and friendly man, who gave us many great music nights at The Well.”

A band from outside town, Partholón said of PJ: “He gave us a home from home at The Well bar any time we passed through Nenagh since the mid 00s in our various bands and musical efforts. We'll never forget his support and kindness, reaching out during Covid to offer shows, giving us a place to showcase touring bands when we were stuck for a date.”

Another tribute, from Patrick Scahill, described PJ as “a titan of Nenagh night life”.

Gary and Sam Sherlock posted on rip.ie: “Many a night we had in The Well. Listening to all PJ's stories of the years gone by, the laughing... A true gentleman. He will be sadly missed. Nenagh has lost a great publican.”

PJ's Funeral Mass took place at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Silvermines, on Sunday, followed by burial in Dolla graveyard.