Restaurateur Keith Lawless, who ran the popular Dillinger's restaurant in Ranelagh, has passed away at the age of 44, reports The Irish Independent.
Speaking to the Herald, John Farrell, owner of Dillinger's, said: "The whole thing is just devastating. I was quite close to him - we were colleagues and good friends. He was a driver, not a passenger. Of course Keith is going to be mourned, it's a tremendous loss but I'm sure he would want everyone to celebrate his life, which I think is a very important thing.
"Keith was a leader and role model. It's hard to put it into words. He was just one of the best people I've worked with in the industry and my heart goes out to his family and daughter. I think we're all just in a state of shock at the moment. It cuts right to the bone and I don't think a lot of us have digested it. I think we just want to make sure to know how he would like to be remembered and celebrated."
Leo Molloy, bar manager of Dillinger's said: "We'll mourn this loss but equally celebrate him and his life. He was a role model - one of the best restaurant managers I've ever had the pleasure to work with and also a personal friend. Our thoughts are with his family."
