I suppose in a way it is a positive thing that gay people do not feel ghettoised to drink in certain premises.” 'It’s the same for gay bars everywhere, in London, New York, everywhere. “We have just had one of our busiest weekends with the Women’s Fun Weekend but overall I would say we are down 35% to 40% from when I first took over six years ago. Mr O’Connell said the bank wanted to have vacant possession of the bar as it was being sold but said economic factors had also impacted the bar in recent years. “We had hoped to be able to host a referendum celebration party later this month as we fight for a Yes vote but it will have to be somewhere else.” “It’s very, very sad, but today is the last day,” Mr O’Connell said. However, in the same month when Ireland will vote on the Marriage Equality Referendum the venue will shut its doors for the last time. It became the first gay bar in Ireland, 10 years before homosexual acts were decriminalised and provided sanctuary to a marginalised element of society.
Mr O’Connell said the premises was under a lease, but that the building is now being sold and the bank wants vacant possession.įirst opened in 1983 by Derek Gerrity, Loafers is the stuff of folklore in the gay rights movement across the country.