A bare knuckle boxer, with one eye.
The Mahon Group’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and strong family values. It all began in 1949, when John Mahon leased a small pub before purchasing it in 1950 from Fischer (or Fisher), a one-eyed former bare-knuckle fighter. This bold beginning set the tone for the Mahon family’s hard-working, hands-on approach to business. With a vision for growth, John expanded beyond the pub, launching bottling operations and securing a pivotal contract with the Army Canteen Board. By the 1970s and 80s, the company was manufacturing Mahon’s Orange and Cola Lemonade, while also expanding its wholesale distribution network. By the 1990’s, John’s two sons Pat and Kevin Mahon took the reins, overseeing wholesale expansion into Dublin and beyond. With a strong team – including David Mahon, Esther, Elaine, Noreen and Phil – the business modernised, introducing fleet management systems and strategic logistic improvements. Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Mahon Group doubled its market share and acquired competitors, reinforcing its industry leadership. Now in 2024, the company celebrates 75 years, serving over 1,000 clients with a focus on quality, sustainability, and strong customer relationships. From a pub owned by a prizefighter to one of Ireland’s top beverage distributors, Mahon Group’s legacy continues to grow.
Patrick Nicholas Mahon
On the 5th of March 2023 former company Director Pat Mahon went to his heavenly reward.
Pat was born in Athlone on the 7th of February 1939. His father John was then managing what was called the Palace bar for D.E. Williams. Upon the start of the war John moved his young family to Brownstown where Williams’ had two pubs, “Upper” and “Lower” Williams’. Pat first attended national school on the Curragh then later The Academy in Kildare. He attended secondary school in Blackrock College.
After a stint working for Findlater wines Pat returned to work with his father. John at this point had established his own pub at Claregate Street Kildare, in addition to the JJ Mahon’s public house. John also established a fledgling wholesale bottling business. Bottling and bonding beers and spirits such as Phoenix and Cherry’s ales, Jameson whiskey, Guinness extra stout, Smithwicks ale to name but a few. In addition John was producing his own brand of soft drinks, under the banner of Mahons Orange and Curragh lemonade. Pat had responsibility for running the bottling line.