Man who worked alongside Cork's famous Baldy Barber opens barbershop on the northside

Donncha O’Connell went viral internationally, including on Fox News in the US, for cutting the hair of Evan O’Dwyer, a young boy who is non-verbal, in his mothers’ car

The Baldy Barber, aka Mick Moriarty (seated), cut the ribbon to officially open BuzzCutz Barbershop, run by Donncha O'Connell, who spent 26 years working in The Baldy Barber in Blackpool. Picture: Larry Cummins

A new barbershop has been opened on the northside of Cork City by Donncha O’Connell who spent 26 years working alongside the city's famous Baldy Barber, Mick Moriarty.

Mr Moriarty’s iconic barbershop in Blackpool closed at the end of last year, as he retired after 59 years in the trade.

Mr O’Connell, who is originally from Fairhill, has opened his own store in Gurranabraher, Buzz Cutz. 

A grand opening was held in recent days, at which Mr Moriarty attended and cut the ribbon.

Mr O’Connell told the Irish Examiner that he began his barbering career in 1989 in Cork City, before he began working alongside the Baldy Barber.

“I couldn’t see myself working in any shop other than Mick’s, so my new place was set up with the hope of getting the same sort of vibe, sort of a men’s shed vibe," he said.

Donncha O'Connell of Buzz Cutz cutting the hair of his godson, Paul O'Sullivan, with his mother Kitty O'Connell (left) and Mick Moriarty (right at the opening party. Picture: Larry Cummins

"Since opening, 90% of Mick’s customers have followed me.” 

During his 26 years working in the Blackpool barbershop, Mr O’Connell went viral internationally, including on Fox News in the US, for cutting the hair of Evan O’Dwyer, a young boy who is non-verbal, in his mothers’ car.

He said he has seen a lot of children with additional needs calling to his new shop: “We get phone calls asking what days I’m on for their child to come in.

“We’ve had 12 or 13 kids with additional needs in since I’ve opened. They way I see it, it’s just 20 minutes out of my working day, for parents it’s 24/7, and I see the struggle it is for them.

“Parents panic when they see their child obviously in distress, and then the child feeds off that and it’s worse again. I try to keep it as calm as possible, and I really enjoy the kids as well.” 

Donncha O'Connell of Buzz Cutz cutting the hair of his godson Paul O'Sullivan at the opening of his barbershop on Saturday. Picture: Larry Cummins

Mr O’Connell said the Baldy Barber Mick Moriarty taught him about patience.

"I think that’s where my skills with the kids comes from. He also taught me how to treat people as people. Mick treats everybody the same, he’s very honest and that leads to a lot of conversations in the shop and great banter.” 

He thanked his wife Claire for handling the bookings side of the business, and his daughter Shauna for her help with social media.

Donncha O'Connell of Buzz Cutz with his wife Claire O'Connell at the opening party. Picture: Larry Cummins

Michael 'Mick' Moriarty's father opened the Baldy Barber as Moriarty's more than 87 years ago on Merchant's Quay.

It later moved to Blackpool, where Mick took over the shop in 1971. When Mick Moriarty confirmed he was closing it he posted on social media: "I’ll miss the chats, the laughs, and the people....but I’ll always be grateful for the memories."