The man thought to be Ireland's longest-serving publican, Mr Tom Maher (92), proprietor of Moondharrig House, O'Connell Street, Waterford city, died yesterday following a short illness.
For over 77 years, he ran a men-only pub in Waterford city centre. Despite protests and several pickets from feminist groups, he refused to break his golden rule "that no woman was to be served at his counter".
Over the years, the Moondharrig became an institution within the south-east, as well as, on occasion, receiving the national spotlight for Mr Maher's business philosophy.
He had his own opening hours and refused to work more than 40 hours a week. He also refused to increase drink prices in line with other pubs.
The publican was also known to advise customers to go home to their wives with their wages, and he often refused to serve a customer when they had more than a few drinks.
The Waterford publican, who closed his doors at 10 p.m. sharp, summed up his business ethos with the phrase: "I don't want to see my customer too early, too late or too often."
When asked why he wouldn't serve women, the publican would explain, "weak women, strong drink, long hours and short skirts are a bad combination".
A non-drinker, Mr Maher blended his own whiskey, which he gave to regular customers when it was deemed to be merited.
A strong-willed business man, Mr Maher banned all Guinness products from his pub after a dispute with the company. He also banned smoking in his pub long before it was suggested by the Minister for Health.
His wife, Mary, who helped run the pub for the last 30 years, is expected to carry on her husband's long-standing tradition of serving men only.