After recent reports that The Dubliner (1025 Washington, downtown) was for sale, and more recent confirmation from owner Eddie Neill that a change in ownership of the nine-year-old Irish pub was "likely," Neill informed SLM this morning that the deal fell through late yesterday afternoon, prompting a decision to close the doors last night, quietly, and without fanfare.

Byron Kerman photo Eddie Neill in February 2015

“I was confident that we had a deal and that The Dubliner would live on,” Neill said. “But that didn’t happen.”

Sales at The Dubliner had been on the decline since Ballpark Village opened in April of last year, despite Neill's efforts to keep the Washington Avenue area separate and vibrant.

When asked about last night's quick exit, Neill (right) explained that following a consent judgment in St. Louis Circuit Court in September, his lease would be terminated in early November whether or not a sale occurred.

“After yesterday's blow, it was time,” he said. “I had squirreled away some money to cover the final payroll, just in case something like this happened.”

Despite suffering a heart attack (and triple bypass surgery) earlier this year followed by a mild stroke in July, Neill says his health is "fine and improving." As to the future, however, the lifelong restaurateur was uncertain: “The last few days have been an ordeal," he admitted. “My immediate plans are to walk the dog, get some sleep, and think about it.”

Below is The Dubliner's melancholy Facebook farewell:

Follow George on Twitter @stlmag_dining or send him an email at gmahe@stlmag.com. For more from St. Louis Magazine, subscribe or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.