Paddy Reilly’s to host celebration of life fundraiser for co-founder Steve Duggan

Paddy Reilly’s, the legendary Irish music pub in New York City, is set to host a celebration of life for its co-founder Steve Duggan, the native of Co Cavan who passed away last week.

Paddy Reilly’s says its celebration of the life of Steve Duggan will take place this Saturday, April 13, with all proceeds benefiting New York GAA.

The celebration of Duggan's life will feature some Irish and Irish American acts who found fame thanks in parts to gigs at Paddy Reilly's.

"This past week marked the passing of an icon in the New York Irish scene," Paddy Reilly's said in its social media blast on Tuesday night.

"Steve Duggan, the co-founder and previous owner of Paddy Reilly's Music Bar, on 29th Street and 2nd Ave, died in Florida this past Thursday, April 4, aged 76.

"Paddy Reilly's was founded in 1986 by Steve Duggan and the legendary singer Paddy Reilly. For the last 38 years, the venue has been the home of live Irish music in New York, starting the careers of such luminaries as Eileen Ivers, Joanie Madden, Black 47, Larry Kirwan of Black 47, and the band who has held a residency there for more than a quarter-century, The Prodigals.

"Other recent performances include Hozier, who celebrated his 33rd birthday there last year, and over the years it has been the local for luminaries such as Christy Turlington Burns, Naomi Campbell, Jimmy Fallon, Conor McGregor, Jason Patric, Gabriel Byrne, and many more.

"The bar is giving back like Steve did, this Saturday, April 13, with a celebration of the life of Steve Duggan. 

“Duggan's eclectic career ranged from being one of the top Gaelic footballers in his native Ireland and running the Dublin marathon while dribbling a football, to agenting and promoting some of the most prominent names in Irish music, and of course, being the convivial host of Paddy Reilly's, chatting on a first-name basis with legends and locals alike.

“The celebration will take place this coming Saturday, April 13. It will begin at 7:30pm, and will include a host of musical talents, culminating with the iconic Prodigals, now in their 27th year playing at the bar. 

“All profits of the tribute will be donated to the New York GAA."