Listowel Arms says bye to Bridie
IT was an understandably emotional night at the Listowel Arms Hotel on Friday (July 21) as the Square’s hotel bid farewell to one of its most familiar faces.
Bridie Carroll retired on Thursday, and she’s been described by staff as someone who’s “synonymous with the hotel”.
In celebration of 33 years of terrific service as a waitress in the hotel’s iconic Writer’s Bar, Friday night saw friends, family, customers and work colleagues of Bridie’s call from England and all over the country to say goodbye to a real Listowel Arms stalwart at an event organised by daughter Lorraine and grandson Dylan.
“Bridie is ever-pleasant and smiling, and she greeted everyone who came into the Writers’ Bar warmly,” a work colleague of Bridie’s said this week.
“She was a joy to work with, and is loved by staff and customers of every age. We hope she enjoys her much-deserved retirement, but we will miss her very much,” they added.
It was an understandably emotional night on Friday, with live music and refreshments on offer for all who called in to congratulate Bridie on more than 30 years of service at the hotel.
“Between her family, friends, and people who knew Bridie through her work, there was a huge get-together. I couldn’t put a number on it, but that’s a sign of how popular she is,” her work colleague continued.
“She was obviously a little bit sad leaving after all these years; after all, she’s up there with the O’Callaghans themselves as one of the most established members of our team!
“But, thankfully, she’s promised that she’ll be in every week to the Writer’s Bar for a cup of tea and a scone – and I think that’s the least she deserves after all her work!”