Former rugby internationals Rob Kearney, Dave Kearney, Seán O’Brien and Jamie Heaslip have announced that they are among the new investors behind the new Changing Times Brewery.
The investment comes through their involvement in Grand Slam Bars – the hospitality group run by their co-investor, Noel Anderson – which includes Dublin pubs the Bridge 1859, the Blackrock, McSorley’s and Lemon & Duke.
“Everyone knows we have developed a strong interest in the hospitality sector through Grand Slam Bars, and this is a natural next step for us,” said Rob Kearney.
“We’ve also been lucky enough to try to the new beers, and I have to say, I can see Daydreamer lager becoming a regular choice when I’m out socialising.”
As well as the rugby stars, the other investors in the brewery are members of the families behind some of Dublin’s best-known pubs, publican Benny McCabe, brewer Shane Long, and the founder of Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish gin, Patrick J. Rigney, who recently joined as chair.
The team behind the brewery says that it has already attracted strong public interest in its initial products – Daydreamer lager and After Hours pale ale – with additional products expected in 2025.
Initially, these products will only be available in the 15 Dublin-based founding pubs, which include Grand Slam Bars’ four venues, as well as Arthur Mayne’s, in Donnybrook, the Bank bar and restaurant, on College Green, the Bankers, Darkey Kelly’s, Devitts, Doheny & Nesbitt, the Ferryman, the Long Hall, the Palace, Sheehan’s, on Chatham Street, and the Swan.
“When we were in the midst of our rugby careers, I don’t think either of us would have ever imagined we’d be investors in a brewery!” said Rob Kearney.
“Being involved in Changing Times just makes sense, given the team that is involved in this venture, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it grows from here.”
