Claim: Capital Bars, which opened Ireland's oldest and biggest gay bar The George, was founded in 1978 by William L.B. O'Dwyer and Desmond O'Dwyer.
Evidence: It was subsequently purchased by the group of bars and clubs owned by the Capital Bars Group and today it is owned by the Mercantile Entertainment Group who own several venues around the city including the popular music venue, Whelans. Opened in 1985, The George began as a gay-owned venture, eight years before homosexuality was legalised in Ireland.