'I'll miss the people': Cork's Baldy Barber to close after 87 years

Mick Moriarty in his Blackpool barbershop. File picture: Larry Cummins

One of Cork's most famous and longstanding barber shops will close its doors for good this weekend, its owner has announced.

Michael 'Mick' Moriarty, whose father Peter opened the Baldy Barber more than 87 years ago, has said the shop will close on November 8. 

The shop was originally located on Merchants Quay before later moving to Blackpool. Mick himself has worked in the barbershop for the past 59 years.

In a post shared on social media, Mr Moriarty said he was making the closure announcement "with a heavy heart, but a mind at ease".

"It’s time to hang up the scissors and finally retire," he said.

"Moriarty's first opened its doors in 1937, founded by my late father, Peter Moriarty, on Merchant’s Quay. We later moved to Blackpool, where I’ve been snipping, clipping, and shaving ever since. 

"I took over the running of the shop in 1971, and it’s been a privilege to continue his legacy and serve this wonderful community for so many years.

"Unfortunately, I won't make it 60 years working, so I just want to say thanks to everyone.

"I want to sincerely thank all of my loyal customers, and my father’s before me, for your friendship, your stories, and your support over the decades," he said.

Mick also paid tribute to all those who worked in the shop down through the years, particularly Donnacha O'Connell, who he described as his "right-hand man".

"I’ll miss the chats, the laughs, and the people, but I’ll always be grateful for the memories," he added.

"Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. I suppose it’s time to spend some quality time with my little wife, enjoy a few rounds of golf, and hopefully many years of good health."

The Baldy Barber, an institution in Cork, also attracted attention in America when it featured on  Fox News for cutting the hair of a non-verbal teen in his parents’ car because he was too anxious to get it cut in the salon.

The shop had been set to close in January 2024, but that decision was reversed and Mr Moriarty said he hoped to hit the 60-year mark of being in the business.

The Baldy Barber "will close its doors for the last time" on Saturday, November 8.