McSorley's Old Ale House

1960
Dorothy and Harry Kirwan's son Danny begins his apprenticeship at the bar.

1964
While visiting Ireland Harry Kirwan's car breaks down. He is picked up on the road by Matthew Maher. Harry promises him a job in New York. Matty goes to NY to work as a waiter and bartender at McSorley's.

1969
McSorley's Old Ale house is sued to allow women to enter.

1970
McSorley's under order of the court and law from the city council considers becoming a private club, but relents to the pressure and opens its doors to women. There are no restrooms for the women. Danny Kirwan wants his mother to be the first woman served. She refuses citing the promise she made her father. Predictions of the end of McSorley's are heard around the world.

1974
Dorothy Kirwan dies

1975
Harry Kirwan dies. McSorley's old Ale house now belongs to their "beloved son" as Harry refers to him, Danny Kirwan.

1977
Matthew Maher, night manager of McSorley's buys the place from Danny Kirwan. It is now
owned by the third family since opening.

Text by Will Wand er

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