'Clubs are frequented mostly by bachelors, widowers, the unattached and a large contingent of poets, musicians, politicians and freaks'

'Clubs are frequented mostly by bachelors, widowers, the unattached and a large contingent of poets, musicians, politicians and freaks'

Billy Gallagher describes The Irish Club where he stayed while working in London. He recalls the unique characters in the club and remembers some of the antics of the club members/guests.

Billy Gallagher

Trinity College Dublin

1970

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Billy Gallagher

Work and employment

Life Story

London, Eaton Square

1970's

While selling in London I stayed at The Irish Club in Eaton Square. This was a significantly dignified address, probably the most exclusive address in London. It was a dreadful place. Clubs are frequented mostly by bachelors, widowers, the unattached and a large contingent of poets, musicians, politicians and freaks. This was 'managed' by Tommy Smith who had been there for 'hundreds of years' and believed avidly in the light touch management system. In fact he was the definitive practitioner of that system. He was also an alcoholic, a necessary prerequisite for this lofty position.The Irish Club consisted of two huge corner houses on the junction of Lyall Street and Eaton Square joined by an underground passage. Much in the style of 'Mary Poppins' buildings the neighbours included The Duke of Westminster who owned the whole bloody square and much of central London. Although we tortured the poor man by running what amounted to a badly run pub he never complained even when the rent was in disarray.To add to the cacophony the Dubliners, then in full flight, were almost permanent residents as were all the Northern MPs, Gerry Fitt, John Hume, Ivan Cooper etc. They were just as mad. 'The Sublime Society of Beefsteaks' run by Count Tolstoy headquartered there and met every Monday night. They always had an enormous Irish Wolfhound in attendance and a pedal car carriage to transport the Count.A large 'priest' called Fr Cork took up residence for a period, a decidedly dodgy character. He used invite strangers to his room where he celebrated 'Mass'. (No one who knew him would go.) Tommy Smith never trusted him because he always referred to the police as 'The Bill'. Tommy was proved right as 'The Bill' came for 'Fr Cork' one day and put him in jail. He was a considerable fraudster and conman living in hiding. He lived there for a year or two and caused mayhem. He always sat behind a large desk in the sitting room positioned so he could see everyone who entered and left the building (before they could see him).A little old spinster, Miss Ahearn, 'took over' at a different period, a nuisance and a busybody. She seemed to think she was helping in the 'management'.The buildings and leases were very valuable (tens of millions) and attracted assorted crowds from time to time to 'sort out' the place. Someone at the end probably made a killing as it ceased to exist in about 2001.It was a good address for me and someone always watched out and kept me a room no matter what. Among the dignitaries encountered there were Harry Secombe, Sean Fitzpatrick (a very nice guy), Donal McCann (lived there for years), Glenda Jackson, Lord Longford (an extraordinary man and saviour of the place regularly by entertaining the sheriff- there to collect the furniture ' to lunch).

Irish Research Council for Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (IRCHSS)

Dr Kathleen McTiernan (Trinity College Dublin)

Dr Deirdre O'Donnell (Trinity College Dublin)