Pub/Bar/Nightclub

Industry Mourns the Passing of Former VFI Chief

By Steve Wynne-Jones
Industry Mourns the Passing of Former VFI Chief

It is with great sadness that Hospitality Ireland brings news of the death after a short illness of Tadhg O'Sullivan, the former CEO of the VFI, and contributor and friend to Hospitality Ireland magazine.

A native of Cahirciveen, Tadhg served as CEO of the Federation for 25 years, retiring at the end of 2007. He led the development of the Federation from being a low profile, under-funded representative body, to the highly professional, democratically structured trade body it is today.

He was at the helm when there was a substantial growth in membership, when publicans’ margins improved and when the organisation successfully defended the interests of publicans up and down the country.

Following his retirement, Tadhg served on the Board of the Employment Appeals Tribunal and was also Secretary of the United Kingdom & Ireland Licensed Trade Association.

As a columnist for Hospitality Ireland, he was an informed and articulate commentator on matters relating to the on-trade in Ireland and beyond. He was also an exuberant and entertaining companion, someone who approached life with an enthusiasm and vigor that were irresistible.

Tadhg will be much missed, and our sympathies go to his wife and five children at this very sad time.

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