INWOOD — The Irish Brigade Pub is giving up the fight and closing after more than 75 years in the neighborhood, its owner said.
The bar's owner said it has been difficult to maintain steady business over the past five years after running the establishment for 35 years.
“When you’re here that long, you see so many people come and go,” said owner Barbara Cronin, 73, who added that the bar first opened at 4716 Broadway in 1939.
The mother of six, who raised her family in the community, said that while she's upset about the closure, she's also relieved.
“I’m sad, but I’m kind of glad, because it’s been such a struggle,” Cronin said. “In a way, I’m glad to be getting out.”
She said she's selling old items from the bar, including the vintage cash register that came with the space when she took it over.
The Irish Brigade Pub was among a handful of Irish bars Uptown to shutter this year.
In March, Reynold’s Bar on 180th Street closed down after more than 50 years, while Irish Eyes on Broadway and 213th Street closed in June after more than 22 years.
Cronin's daughter, Laura, said she feels the business is nonetheless going out strong.
"They said she could never do it," Laura Cronin said about her mother running the bar, "but she did it for more than 30 years."
While the Irish Brigade Pub's last day is Sunday, Jan. 3, Barbara Cronin said regulars can still find her working at the Liffy Bar on 5009 Broadway in Inwood.
“There’s nothing more to say,” she said, “but come see me at the Liffy!”
