Pat Byrne R.I.P 1933 – 2013
The Irish wine trade was shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of one of the trade’s best know figures on Saturday October 19th, 2013. Though well past retirement age Pat continued to work as a sales representative for Findlaters Wines & Spirits right up until the time of his death. Pat was one of the most cheerful people you could meet, his enthusiasm for life was infectious. Known by his childhood nickname “the Wah” he was a charismatic figure. A great sportsman in his day he played rugby for Monkstown Rugby Club and was also for many many years an active and keen hill walker, as well as an enthusiastic swimmer.
Pat grew up and lived in Dalkey all his life. He worked for many years for Mitchell & Sons Wine Merchants. When Mitchell’s sold their wine portfolio to Wardell Roberts/Woodford Bourne, Pat went too as part of the deal. As Woodford Bourne evolved to become Findlalter Wines & Spirits, Pat continued to work for them, selling the wine portfolio to his ever loyal customer base.
He organised the legendary wine suppers at the National Yacht Club, every month between October and May. Many of the key journalist and wine trade people (including myself) would be co-opted in by Pat to host the evening. Pat of course, was the real draw, his stories were legendary, tales of rugby trips and the wine trade were part of his huge repertoire. After each dinner he would go from table to table to talk to every person in the room in order to find out their opinion of the wines served that night! The wine supper season would end with a test of knowledge in the form of a wine quiz and the ultimate prize would be awarded by Pat, a magnum of Bollinger!
He will be sorely missed by everyone in the wine trade and we offer our sincere condolence to his wife Geraldine and to Rory, Colin and Éibhear and his extended family.
We will not see his like again!
Obituary by Jean Smullen
