Rugby stars Jamie Heaslip, Rob and Dave Kearney and Sean O’Brien have gone into the pub business.
The Irish players have teamed up with The Grafton Lounge’s Noel Anderson to set up The Bridge 1859 in Ballsbridge, which was formerly known as Bellamy’s.
And Sean insisted that the lads will be behind the bar – which cost them €1.35million – and helping to make it a success.
Building work: Lads want the pub to be major success
He said: “I’ve always been interested in owning a pub and now that is has become a reality, I can’t wait to get behind the bar and pull a few pints!
“I’m looking forward to chatting with customers and hearing their thoughts on the place. It has been a pleasure of working with the group of lads including Noel – the best in the business.”
Previously Jamie had been involved in opening a restaurant, after investing in Bear – a steakhouse with Jo Burger’s Jo Macken.
And Jamie is hoping now that the pub becomes a must-go-to for rugby fans after matches at the Aviva.
Brothers: Rob and Dave are in on the venture | VIPIRELAND.COM
He added: “For all of us it was important to get a name that paid homage to the history of the building and the area.
“We feel that The Bridge 1859 captures both – we’re located in Ballsbridge, and the building was first used as a pub in 1859.
Rucking in: Sean with Luke Fitzgerald | VIPIRELAND.COM
“We also wanted a name that was easy to roll off the tongue standing in the RDS or the Aviva – let’s go to The Bridge for one!”
They have completely redesigned the pub with a new interior – and importantly, a much longer bar counter.
They are even looking for bar staff to work with them at The Bridge 1859 currently.
