Ireland’s creative community has been reacting to the news that the Bernard Shaw on South Richmond Street will close at the end of October after 13 years.
The pub along with the Eatyard food venue next door is run by Bodytonic and is a cultural institution in Dublin, creating a dynamic space in the city centre for club nights, DJs and artists.
Designer Johnny Brennan started a petition to An Bord Pleanala 4 months ago when it was announced that there were plans to construct a hotel on the site.
While announcing the closure, The Bernard Shaw said this is not the end:
“Dublin is changing, we can all see and feel it, but we are going nowhere & we won’t go down without a fight. We’ll start something else, somewhere else [ plans are afoot ] , and keep fighting the good fight. There are so many young creative, clever, smart people in Dublin & Ireland at the moment – there’s lots to be optimistic about – but they need the spaces to meet each other, make plans, and make them happen!”
Many have expressed their anger and disappointment at yet another venue closing its doors.
Twitter user Cathal Curry pointed the number of culturally essential venues which have closed in the past 24 months include Tivoli Theater, Hangar, The Bernard Shaw and The Big Tree with hotels and “posh student flats no one can afford” the only openings within the same timeframe.
Closed in the last 24 months
🎭Tivoli Theater
🍾Hangar
📚The Bernard Shaw
🌳The Big TreeOpened in the last 24 months
🛎️Hotels
👨🎓Posh student flats no one can afford— Cathal Curry (@CurryCathal) September 9, 2019
Rubber Bandits tweeted saying investment is needed in other counties:
“They’re closing The Bernard Shaw? Are you fucking serious ? where is left for Dublin pints and daycent tunes with like minded people?
“Limerick needs a fucking hostel too. Because in fairness we’ve a lovely creative scene with class places like Pharmacia and Costelloes for all ages but Dublin people want to come down for craic without sleeping on couches”
They’re closing The Bernard Shaw? Are you fucking serious ? 😫 where is left for Dublin pints and daycent tunes with like minded people?
— The Blindboy Podcast (@bbboatclub) September 9, 2019
@FeliSpeaks said:
“I just want to know what they are trying to gain from closing The Bernard Shaw. Wtf is the reason because it is definitely being packed out at least once a week. Keep closing down buildings that house the local arts. Keep going. Very fucking well done.”
https://twitter.com/FeliSpeaks/status/1171366110962356225?s=20
Una Mullally spoke about how The Shaw “is/was a vital organ in Dublin’s cultural and creative anatomy”
“The Bernard Shaw is/was a vital organ in Dublin’s cultural and creative anatomy, which is so swiftly expiring. The sanitisation of the city and the demented smoothing of all its edges is a type of violence that is irreparably scarring this city.”
https://twitter.com/UnaMullally/status/1171119619165347842?s=20
Hen’s Teeth, who are fundraising to create a cultural hub in Dublin, shared their disappointment:
“Gutted. It’s hard to overstate how important you guys have been for the creative community since 2006. Big love x”
Many others shared their fond memories of The Bernard Shaw, from first dates to celebrating the Repeal victory, it has been a cornerstone of Irish culture and society.
All my first loves of Dublin are gone.
Long Stone – first college society – gone.
Sweeney’s – first cry into a pie – gone.
Hangar – first met my best friend – gone.
Bernard Shaw – first date, pint; one of my first panels – gone.
Slán abhaile – this is not a safe home. pic.twitter.com/znbzl6pORM
— Dr. Shubhangi Karmakar 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ (@Repealist_) September 9, 2019
This was the night of 26th May post Dublin Castle, Coppers and Ryans as I walked half way home because I couldn't get a taxi so I just stood outside the Bernard Shaw for an hour talking to and hugging randomers.
Most businesses wouldn't allow this be painted on their wall. pic.twitter.com/HPoEXuQdU6
— Lucy O’Shea🌸 (@lucyoshea) September 9, 2019
I’m truly gutted about the Bernard Shaw. Thinking of 25th May 2018, standing outside at the Savita mural, tears & hugs when the exit poll came out, lighting candles for her. All the pints. Musicians. Celebrations. The couple of first dates. The fucking unreal food. So bloody sad.
— Jade Wilson (@jadeswilson) September 9, 2019
Ah lads, what is happening to our city? We want to thank all the folk at @TheBernardShaw for creating countless memories and craic they have created for us and so many others in Dublin. It will remain the most legendary space x https://t.co/Yilqk0j8G4
— H&G Creations (@xHGCreations) September 10, 2019
Devastated is an understatement. I painted at my first ever graff jam here & so many more since. There's nowhere else like @TheBernardShaw & with Tivoli also recently gone there's nowhere left in the city centre to have a decent graff jam. This shit makes me want to leave Dublin. https://t.co/EgjfYqd0E6
— Emmalene Blake (@emmaleneblake) September 9, 2019
https://twitter.com/PadraigKilkenny/status/1000120812941332481?s=20
https://twitter.com/davidmacuidhir/status/1171187009806839808?s=20
© 2019 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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