Alan Spence

Alan was the very heart of Tolka House when I lived in Glasnevin so well turned out and a great entertainer.
After moving to Phibsboro I would often bump into Alan following his retirement and it was always great to catch up.
He will be so missed.

My sympathies to Alan's family.

Sincere sympathy to Vivian, Bernadette and all family members on Alans passing

Alan,
I met you only a few times but each time was filled with positivity, dignity and respect. You’ll be remembered and talked about for years to come through your family, and that’s a legacy in itself x

Alan was such a nice man and great fun to work with. He will be missed. RIP Alan, my condolences to his family and friends.

Alan a proper gent always. Rest in peace.

Had some great times working with Alan always good crack , and the stories he told unbelievable but believable because he was telling you them , great to have known him all round good guy .rest well Alan

To all of Alan's family and close friends, my deepest condolences on Alan's passing. My first interaction with Alan was even I was only a child, listening to him wind up my late dad in Tolka House. For years, that's how it was, unless one of them was giving out about something. Whatever day of the week we came in, once he saw us, he already knew our order.

Time went by, then I'd the pleasure of working alongside him in the same pub. Wasn't for long, but it was definitely an enjoyable experience, as plenty of others would also testify I'm sure.

A few years back, when my father passed, one day I was visiting his grave and popped into The Gravedigger's afterwards. Low and behold, standing outside having a smoke, and dressed immaculately as always, there he was. We had a great chat, laughed about the days back in Tolka, and it stayed that way.

To know that Alan had such an effect, on so many people while plying his trade is to know that he was oh so dearly loved by so many.

Alan, my dad would only be delighted to meet you again up there. You can both continue those great chats you used to share over the bar, and maybe, my dad might actually pull you a pint up there.

Sleep tight Alan, forever missed.

Offering sincere condolences to Ellen and the wider Spence/Walsh families on the passing of Alan, may he rest in peace.

Deepest condolences to Ellen and the wider Walsh family on the passing of Alan. May he Rest in Peace

Deepest condolences to Vivian and family on the death of Alan. RIP.

So sorry to hear of your demise Alan. May you rest in peace!

Rip alan.always so neat and tidy.

Rip.alan. a dapper man with a big smile.

My sincerest sympathy to the Spence & Walsh families on learning of Alan’s passing. A lot of us knew Alan from the Tolka House where he plied his trade and he was a wonderfully efficient barman. Alan was a master in the art of conversation and his interaction with the customers was never short of his humour and wit. He lived life on his own terms and he undoubtedly made the most of it! Great memories of days out with him at the Punchestown festival and a trip to Las Vegas.

Rest well my friend, you were one of a kind!

Alan was extremely popular . He was an excellent barman and was the heart of the Tolka House . I enjoyed chatting with him in Griffith Park, he had a great sense of humour. Alan will be sadly missed by his many friends and family . Alan and his twin Ger are together now. Rest in Peace.

So sorry to hear of the passing of Alan he was such a lovely Gentleman always dressed so well may he be at peace.

Deeply saddened to hear of Alans passing. Condolences to his family & many friends. His presence will be truly missed around the Tolka & Glasnevin. Alan was a great character and a pleasure to work with, I have fond memories of his pristine style, funny stories & great one liners. He was a loyal friend & always looked after his customers & took the younger staff under his wing.
Fly high Mr Spence x

My deepest sympathy to Alan’s family and friends. I used to love working in the Tolka when Spence was behind the bar, he always gave us a great laugh and was loved by everyone who got to know him over the years. He will be sorely missed, rest in peace Alan

Condolences to all of Alan's family. I have great memories of working with Alan in the Tolka. A dapper gentleman who was always sure to give you a laugh to cheer you up on a bad day. He always looked out for us younger staff and we all loved him. Could always trust him to give honest professional advice or opinion on my whatever my latest bad hair choice was :) Rest in peace Alan.

So sorry to hear of the sudden loss of Alan. Martin my husband ( RIP) and myself always loved the Tolka when Alan was there. In recent times it was a pleasure to meet him out and about since his retirement. Sincere sympathy to his family and also the Gleeson family. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the celebration of his life but will be thinking of you all.

I am writing this on behalf of Pat,Mary,Mark,Stephen, Catherine & myself. We all knew Alan through the Tolka House pub. He was a great barman, always gracious. Everyone retires at some point and when it was Alan’s turn, it was definitely a sad day and loss for the pub and its customers. Finding out about Alan’s death, we were all amazed that Alan was taken to Heaven so early. We know he’s at peace and serving God’s customers.

Deepest sympathy to the Spence and Walsh Family on Alan's passing.
Very sad news. He was a character and a great barman. The Tolka house lost it's heart when he retired.
May he rest in peace.

RIP Alan a great barman and a gentleman you will be missed.
Arthur & Anne Mc Guinness

Our deepest sympathy to all the family, So sorry for your loss. From Richard & Georgina & all the Burke's in 8 Fitzroy Avenue

My condolences to Vivian, Richard and Families on Alan's passing. Ger always had great amusing stories about Alan and her growing up on Fitzroy Avenue. I'm sure they are now having a good catch up together.

Fly high Alan. The Tolka House was never the same without you. RIP xx

Our deepest sympathy to Vivian, Richard and all the family on the sad passing of your beloved Alan. I have wonderful childhood memories of growing up on Fitzroy Avenue, made all the better because I shared them with Alan. Even as a small child his personality added such fun, laughter and joy to all our lives. Reunited with your beloved twin Ger. Rest in Peace Alan.

Alan, a true gentleman! Your quick witt and gentle smile will be missed! Enjoy your wings my friend! Derek and Nuala

Go Raibh Suaimhneas Síoraí Air

Thank you, Alan, for always bringing a touch of class to the Tolka House. It was always a pleasure to see you behind the bar or to bump into you when you stopped by. You will always hold a special place in our family’s memories. Rest in peace.

Fond memories of Alan in the Tolka many years ago. Bumped into Alan last May at funeral in Our Lady of Dolours.....rest in eternal peace Alan , a lovely gentleman .

I’ll never forget Alan’s jokes and that giggle of his! He made shifts at the tolka enjoyable and funny. You will be missed Alan. Rest in peace.

Our sincere sympathy and condolences on the passing of Alan. May he rest in peace 🙏

Sincere Sympathy to All Alans family.
We have great Memories of Alan in Tolka house.
My late Husband John and i would have great chats and laughs. He would always come and sit for a chat and of course horses would be mentioned.
He was a great barman and a gentleman.

Thanks for the memories Alan
RIP

Maureen & Carol
Tolka estate
Glasnevin

Sincere sympathy to vivian & family on the passing of alan he was a great man to meet rip alan.

Our deepest sympathy to the Spence and Walsh Family.

It is hard to put into words how we feel as a family. We have fantastic happy memories of Alan as a kind, caring and generous man who we loved dearly. It was a pleasure to have known you and to have been a part of your life. You will be deeply missed by us all.

You were simply the best

Rest easy Mr Spence

Emma and the Gleeson Family.

Condolences to Alan and all his family. RIP

So sad to hear off Alan's passing A great man he will be missed by so many people Rest in peace Alan

So sorry to hear the sad news of your passing Alan. We had not spoken in a while but when we did meet, it was as if we spoke every day. You would never have been mistaken for somebody else Alan, because there was only one of you. Unique. A gentleman. A comedian, a philosopher and a good friend. Always a smile. You did'nt need or expect a lot from life but you enjoyed it to the full. You will be sadly missed by all who knew you Alan and may you rest in peace.

Deepest condolences to all your family Alan. You’re going to be missed around here. You were one in a million. Sleep tight 💙💙💙

Sincere Sympathy to Vivian and all the family on the sudden death of Alan R.I.P.

Thinking about you all at this very sad time.

Deepest sympathy to Richie and all the family. Alan was a wonderful barman.could read the room and had a great sense of humour. He enjoyed his retirement. R.I.P.Alan

RIP Alan ul b sadly missed by all in the Tolka

Deepest sympathy on the passing of Alan. May he rest in peace.

Charlie Prizeman

Alan, you were simply the best. Happiest memories of good days gone by, weddings and parties, you loved socialising and you lived life to the fullest. Always dressed to the nines, so stylish.
Reunited now with your beloved twin Ger. Our condolences to all the family. We will miss you.

Hats & Spats...Probably the only man who could wear them so eloquently..a sharp dressed man with such a glint of mischief in those lovely blue eyes. A great conversationalist who engaged many with his stories and wit. A man of great character and many atrributes ..one having the capabilty to be friends with young and old and embrace those friendships and another being able to laugh in the face of adversity and keep on going.In the words of another ol blue eyes
You did it your way xx
Bless you Alan

So sorry to hear of Alan's sudden passing. Great memories working with Alan in the Tolka. A great character, always good for a laugh and always dressed so dapper. May he rest in peace.

My deepest sympathy Vivian on the death of Alan. Alan and I go back a long way to the folk Mass in Gardiner Street Church and to the Pioneer Musical Society in St Francis Xavier Hall. My abiding memory of Alan is that he was always dressed immaculately in pin striped suits. He was loved by all of us at that time. I remember meeting him in London some years after he left Dublin and he was still the very same Alan. May his soul now rest in perfect peace.

So very sorry to hear of Alan's passing. So many memories. Paddy Power Day at Leopardstown, The beach at Laytown. Raconteur, gentleman, always elegantly dressed. Never a dull moment. Farewell my friend. Adieu.

The word legend is used too often these days but in this case its truly appropriate. Dublin D9 &11 has lost a great one , thanks to the people who helped extend Alan's life far beyond his own expectations
(You know who you are) God bless you Al

Such fond memories of all our times in the Tolka and Addison Lodge over the years....may you rest in peace....Jim & Darina xx 🙏

So sad to hear of Alans passing. He was a real gentleman and most certainly had great style. Lovely man he will be so missed. RIP Alan 🙏

Condolences to Alan and all his family.
Had the pleasure of working with Alan in Royal Oak in Glasnevin , brilliant bar man , and loved by all .
Rest in peace Alan🙏🙏

Great pal to my dad Larry. Very sad to hear the news. Always dapper and lived life on his terms. Rip Al.

Sorry to hear of Alan’s passing. He was a very popular man around Glasnevin & Drumcondra and will be missed by many.
Deepest sympathy to Alan’s family.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

What a shock when i saw you passed away thanks for everything's my condolences to the family on the sad news sam

it is hard to express our deep sense of loss you were a wonderful friend.
You will be missed by many, especially your family. You lived your life on your own terms and by god you gave it some Welly. But most of all we will miss your fun side and your laughter.... Thats right! See you on the other sidexx

DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL THE SPENCE FAMILY.MAY ALAN'S GENTLE SOUL REST IN PEACE.

so sorry to hear of Alan's passing. What a character. He loved people horses pubs style and life.What you saw is what you got.May he rest in peace. Clodagh and Dave FitzGerald

We are truly so sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Alan . May Jesus wrap his arms around him in Heaven . Thinking of his brother Vivian and other Family God comfort them at this sad time