MEDIA
Fayetteville Observer Weekender
March 16, 2007
By Brian Dukes
Staff writer
IRELAND NATIVE GIBNEY OPENS BAR IN TIME FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY
Singer-songwriter Paddy Gibney and violinist Bill Ayerbe, known to fans as Paddy & Bill, have made a name for themselves in Fayetteville performing covers, Irish standards and naughty drinking songs to packed bars and pubs.
Despite their popularity and success, Gibney, who moved from Ireland to Fayetteville as a teen, said he knew in his heart that he wanted his own place. Now he is watching his wish come true.
He has opened a bar called Paddy’s: An Irish Public House in the spot formerly occupied by Wheelers at 2606-B Raeford Road. It is near the intersection of Raeford Road and Robeson Street. It will be open today, just in time for St. Patrick’s Day.
“The word ‘pub’ is short for ‘public place,’ and in Ireland, in the old days, that’s where you went to socialize,” said Gibney in an Irish accent that’s been maintained despite his years of living in the South.
“And that’s what I want here,” he said. “This place will be a part of me, my home, and I want people to come here and enjoy themselves.”
Gibney, who is 38, was born in Dublin. He came to Fayetteville in 1987 on a soccer scholarship at The Fayetteville Academy. He graduated magna cum laude from Methodist College and completed his graduate degree at UNC-Chapel Hill. He began a solo music career in the early ’90s and later teamed up with Ayerbe, who is a classically trained violinist.
The walls of Paddy’s, a cozy 2,000-square-foot space, are decked out with Irish memorabilia, including items from Gibney’s career and personal life. His favorite band, U2, is more than adequately represented. And why not? Gibney has met Bono, after all.
But Gibney will be keeping some of his treasured items at home.
“I’d hate to put anything up that I couldn’t live without if someone broke it,” Gibney said. “This is a bar, you know? Things happen.”
One of Gibney’s favorite decorations is a framed poster of famous Irish authors.
“My favorite author, Oscar Wilde, once said something that I take to heart in music and in life,” Gibney said. “‘The only thing worse than people talking about you is people not talking about you.’”
Gibney’s pub will be open at noon for St. Patrick’s Day. He and Ayerbe will be performing that evening.
And as the resident Irishman, he is more than qualified to inform others of the proper way to celebrate.
“All you need is Guinness,” he said.
