Dr Quirkey’s in Phibsborough, the casino emporium owned by former Ms World Rosanna Davidson’s father-in-law until his death last week, is up for sale, writes Niamh Walsh.
Richard Quirke who founded Dr Quirkey’s slot machine arcades in Phibsborough and O’Connell Street Dublin, put the Phibsborough arcade up for sale a few months before he died, aged 77.
Although there is a ‘for sale’ sign outside the landmark building, the advert is not listed on the estate agent’s website.
North’s estate agent confirmed the sale but remained tight-lipped on the price and whether it is being offered for sale as a going concern.
Wesley Quirke, who is married to the former Ms World, is one of six directors of the company operating Dr Quirkey’s arcades, along with his brother Andy, creator of comedy series Damo and Ivor.
The gambling arcades are extremely profitable with each director receiving remuneration of €902,367 last year, up from €490,000 the previous year.
As previously reported by Business Plus the operating company, Dublin Pool and Juke Box Ltd , reported staggering post-tax profits of €8.7m and accumulated profits of €24.4m.
This represented a reversal of fortune since recording a pre-tax loss of €14m in 2021 following an €8.3m write-down in the value of its properties.
Dr Quirkey’s locations were shut from March 2020 to December 2021 due to Covid lockdown measures.
The former garda’s wealth was estimated at €40m in 2017 and he appeared on the Sunday Times Rich List.
Wesley Quirke, who has three children with Rosanna Davidson, was heavily involved in the running of the family business.
She previously revealed that Wesley’s work with Dr Quirkey’s involves him flying around the world to keep himself up to date with the global gambling corporate world.
After her father-in-law’s death, Rosanna posted on her social media that she was watching his funeral being streamed from Foxrock Church at home with the children and said they were all extremely upset.
Andy Quirke, a racing pigeon enthusiast has become well known for his social media posts for his strong views on lockdown measures and immigration.
Dr Quirkey’s Phibsborough was the first venue to open in 1976, followed by two more sister venues, Dr Quirkey’s Good Time Emporium and the Carlton Casino Club, both in O’Connell Street.
