Paddy Reilly was a New York-based Irish entrepreneur. He was a native of Co. Cavan and immigrated to New York in 1958. Paddy passed away on May 27, 2013 after a short battle with kidney cancer.
Paddy’s first business was a partnership named Reilly and Tully’s on Hillside Avenue in Jamaica, Queens. This was to be the first of many bars and restaurants established by Paddy on his own or in partnership. He went on to own and partner in many Manhattan based establishments, including P.J Reilly’s; The Molly Wee Pub; The Irish Pub, The Stagecoach, McGee’s Pub, The Emerald, The Coliseum, The Abbey Tavern and The Oldcastle.
Paddy was an active member of several Irish organizations in New York, among them the Cavan P&B Association and the Armagh Association. He was instrumental in the creation of the New York Irish Center in Long Island City, Queens.
Paddy was all about giving. He helped so many from all walks of life secure their first job in New York, find their first apartment and assisted many more to open their first business.
His legacy of giving lives on through this Foundation.
Paddy Reilly Memorial Foundation 