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The Old Brogue Irish Pub celebrated its 45th anniversary on March 17, 2026, filling its Great Falls gathering place with Guinness, Irish music, dancing and generations of loyal customers.
Guitars and tin whistles rang through the pub as Irish dancers performed during its annual St. Patrick’s Day festival. Open since 1981, The Old Brogue has become a community fixture that owner Colin Malone calls “the living room of Great Falls.”
Malone took over the pub four years ago, but its history reaches through decades of local families. He said relationships have begun there, proposals have taken place and children who grew up visiting the pub have returned as employees.
Live music remained central to the anniversary celebration. Chris Brunner, a guitarist with the band Mostly Irish, said the pairing was hard to beat: “Playing Irish music at an Irish pub — doesn’t get much better.”
Sterling resident Theresa Somerville attended with her 95-year-old parents. She said The Old Brogue has been part of her family for as long as she can remember.
For Kathy Huycke of Aldie, the celebration was important enough to miss work.
“We take work off because it’s St. Patrick’s Day!” Huycke said. “We’re out having a good time today.”
Longtime regular Rich Curd said the pub’s role in Great Falls extends well beyond the holiday. Friends have used it as an everyday meeting place for decades, creating a sense of community investment in its future.
“People almost feel an ownership of it,” Malone said.