Brendan and Claire have owned and operated O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar since April of 1989. Brendan is a native of Limerick, where his father and family still reside.  Claire grew up in Montreal, New York and Nairobi while her Dad worked for Aer Lingus. Both Brendan and Claire are graduates of the Shannon College of Hotel Management in Shannon, Co. Clare, During their internships, they trained in Switzerland, France, England, Scotland and the U.S.

Having worked for some large corporate hotel groups in England and anxious to be masters of their own destiny, they bought a little Wine Bar/Restaurant on High Street Kensington, London in 1984. This, they successfully ran for three years when they were first married.
Thinking they should try their hand at a little hotel in Ireland, they moved back "home" to a lovely spot on the shores of Lough Derg in Dromineer, Co. Tipperary on the River Shannon. The frenzy of boating activity and custom during the summer months didn't prepare them for the quiet solitude of winter and soon after arriving, they knew they wouldn't last!

In April of 1988, they sold all their worldly possessions, put their money in their pockets and brought themselves and their 1 year old son, Rory, to Massachusetts, where they felt an Irish Restaurant & Bar would be a hit. One year later, having searched Boston and its suburbs for the perfect spot, they traveled further west to Worcester, MA where they found what they were looking for!! They opened their doors on April 4, 1989 with a relatively small operation of 75 seats and a cozy bar.

In 1990, they welcomed their second son, Eamon, and an addition to the  restaurant; adding on the Eagle and Back rooms. Over the years they have increased their capacity by completely refitting the Bar, building The Wild Geese Room, The "Treaty Stone" Terrace, The Parlour, The Snug, The Vintner's Nook and The Grand Marshal's Den. They are constantly raising the bar and are never complacent with their success. Today the many nooks and crannies of O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar accommodate up to 350 people. The restaurant is alive with their unique personalities and warm welcome.

Brendan's wit keeps everyone laughing (though Claire thinks she's funny at times, also). The amount of repeat business is a true testament to their famous food, best brews, and hospitality. As the sign says on the outside of the building:" dreamed up 1979" ~ "established 1989". Brendan and Claire can now proudly say..."still going 2010!