Heartache as son of renowned publican who died months after receiving Freedom of Kilkenny City pays emotional

THE son of a renowned Kilkenny businessman and publican has paid a moving tribute following his father’s passing.

Eamonn Langton of Lavistown and John Street, Kilkenny sadly passed away “peacefully at home in the presence of his family” last Wednesday.

Langton, 78, died just months after he was awarded the Freedom of the City of Kilkenny.

The local businessman was born in Kilkenny city in 1948 and was part of a family long connected with commerce, hospitality and civic life.

Langton’s late parents Edward and Bridie Langton played a vital role in establishing the John Street premises that he took over in 1975.

The publican then reshaped the business, and what began as a public house expanded into a hotel, restaurant, theatre and music venue.

Langton received the Freedom of the City of Kilkenny last June after five decades at the heart of one of the city’s most famous pubs.

Speaking after the ceremony in June, he said that receiving the award was a “huge personal honour for myself.”

He added: “To receive the Freedom of the City is a huge personal honour for myself. As a proud Kilkenny man, it ranks as one of the greatest achievements of my life.”

A death notice described the businessman as a “beloved husband and best friend” of Trish and much loved father of Eddie, Conor and Tracey.

Langton was laid to rest on Friday at St John’s Church in Kilkenny following a funeral cortege to Foulkstown Cemetery.

Langton’s heartbroken son Conor Langton also paid an emotional tribute to his dad on social media yesterday following his shock passing.

Taking to Instagram, Conor wrote: “My dad, Eamon Langton, died last week.

“If you follow me here for the pub drawings, he’s the reason they exist.

“I was born above Langton’s in Kilkenny and lived there for twenty years, and from the time we were small he’d bring us on what he called research trips: a pub in Dublin, or a few days going round London, order a drink and spend the afternoon looking at the ceiling, the tiles, the music they had on, what the staff were wearing, how the seating was laid out.

“More often than I can count we were the decoy while he wrestled an A3 leather bound menu into his trousers to bring home and show the chefs. I didn’t know at the time that I was being taught anything.”

He continued: “Outside the pub he managed and promoted bands, and followed Kilkenny hurling with a passion.

“The team are still fed at Langton’s after training and matches, and the All-Ireland homecomings all ended up there.

“Earlier this year he was given the Freedom of the City and we were all there for it, the eight grandchildren included.

“These days it’s the outside I draw, so I’m the one standing in the street staring at a pub for twenty minutes. He’d have been delighted. Thanks for the trips, Dad.”

And a steady stream of tributes have remembered Langton as a “kind and charitable man” since his shock death.

Kilkenny GAA said that Langton’s support through the years was “greatly valued, and he was always willing to help whenever called upon.”

A spokesperson added: “Eamonn’s association with Kilkenny GAA spanned decades and went far beyond that of a supporter. 

“Through the years, his generosity, friendship and unwavering support were greatly valued, and he was always willing to help whenever called upon.

“The Langton name has long been synonymous with Kilkenny, and Eamonn took great pride in his county and its people. 

“His support for Kilkenny GAA and its clubs, both publicly and quietly behind the scenes, reflected that pride and his genuine commitment to the community around him.”

The club added: “A familiar face to generations of Kilkenny GAA people, Eamonn built friendships throughout the Association and always had a warm welcome for players, officials, supporters and friends alike. 

“Eamonn had a great affection for Kilkenny GAA, and that affection was very much reciprocated. 

“He was held in the highest regard, and his friendship, kindness and contribution over so many years will be fondly remembered.”

Kilkenny Roots Festival took to social media to share its sadness following Langton’s tragic passing.

They said: “A trailblazer in the Irish hospitality industry, Eamonn was a kind and charitable man and an avid supporter of the arts in Kilkenny. His contribution to the city is immeasurable.

“Eamonn was a great supporter of all forms of live music, going back as far as the 1960s, when he managed The Fifth Degree. The opening of the Set Theatre was a game-changer for live music in Kilkenny.

“The first Kilkenny Roots Festival show at the Set Theatre was Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit in 2010.

“Since then, we have enjoyed many memorable shows in this beautiful venue, treasured by audiences and performers alike.

“Our sincerest condolences to the Langton family on their loss. May Eamonn rest in peace.”