12/09/2022
Hello to my Nag's Head Family,
I still feel devastated about Barney's passing and I just wanted to say a few words. There are so many stories and good times we've all had with Barney. Too many to write about in one post. I know our extended Nag's Family will stay together in the spirit of Barney and I look forward to seeing you all again sometime soon. Love and hugs,
Stu
I met Barney when he hired me at the The Nag’s Head. I had bartended at a couple other places before and thought I was a pretty good bartender, but one of the first things he said to me, halfway through my first shift, was “Have you ever done this before?” Watching Barney work the bar, I quickly realized I had a long way to go.
For the first year I felt like Wesley in ‘The Princess Bride’ thinking Barney was like the Dread Pirate Roberts. ‘Good job tonight. I’ll surely fire you tomorrow.’ Years later Barney would always credit senior bartender Mairead with saving my job in the first months. Jokingly saying to me that she would wag her finger at him and say “Don’t you dare fire Stu.”
But with help from Miread and encouragement from Tommy who lived above the bar, Barney trained me to become a bartender who could work The Nag’s Head properly and be up to Barney’s high standards.
As the years went by, we became close friends and brothers.
Barney had a tough exterior but if you got to know him you would discover that underneath was a very caring person with a big heart. The kind of person who looked out for not only his friends and family, but also total strangers and the less fortunate. The kind of friend you could call any time from anywhere in the world if you were in any kind of trouble.
Barney loved getting people together. I’ve met so many people and made so many friends and connections through Barney whom I remain friends with today.
I still can’t believe he’s gone and my heart continues to ache but I’ll continue to hear his voice and his ‘Barneysms’ in my head. For instance, when something goes moderately well, he’d say “..Better than a kick in the hole”. He was a character with a keen sense of humor who always stood out from the crowd. People would always gravitate to him wherever he went. He always handled challenges and adversity in stride. He loved music and to travel and see the world. From Barney, I learned a hell of a lot about not only bartending, but also life.
Hearing his voice in my head and my memories of our many adventures together will keep him in my heart. Being part of his family will be something I’ll always be grateful for.
So, Cheers, Barney. It’s closing time. I know you’re up there having a pint and a good laugh at all our fussin’ down here. I’ll miss you brother.
