“He was infectious, brilliantly funny and a genius in all senses of the word. He was our friend”
Tributes have been paid to the “wise beyond his years” and “creative genius” co-founder of a popular Dublin brewery.
Alex Lawes, originally from Inchicore, sadly passed away last Sunday, March 22. He was one of the founders of the independent brewery Whiplash, and Dublin bar Fidelity.
His family have said their lives will “never be the same” after his passing.
A death notice for Alex read: “Our lives will never be the same after the sudden loss of this wonderfully kind, talented and charming man. Generous in every sense of the word, brilliantly funny and a creative genius.
“Deeply missed by his loving sister Eva, brother-in-law Colin, his niece Dolly whom he adored and his dog Brettsie who was a joy in his life.
“Also sadly missed by aunts and uncles, cousins and extended family, work family in Whiplash and Fidelity Bar and his vast circle of friends and neighbours.”
Whiplash was initially started as a weekend project between Alex and his co-founder Alan Wolfe in 2016. In 2022, the brewery opened up its bar, Fidelity in Smithfield.
Alex sadly passed away last weekend
Fidelity quickly became known as one of Dublin’s most renowned bars, thanks to the craft beers made by Alex and his colleagues.
In a social media post, Fidelity Bar said their friends death was met with, “profound sadness”.
They said: “It is with profound sadness that we are communicating the passing of Alex Lawes, co-founder of both Whiplash and Fidelity. “Alex was, and still is, part of the heart of both businesses. He was infectious, brilliantly funny and a genius in all senses of the word. He was our friend.”Alex’s magnetic personality touched so many people across the globe and in so many communities here in Dublin so we will digest this news over the course of the next few weeks and understand how we can honour the man that gave us so many smiles and good times. “Cherish every memory shared with him. With love, Alan, Dave, Steve and all the team”.
Elsewhere, other Irish brewers and fans of Alex’s work spoke of his massive influence on Ireland’s brewery scene.
Rascals Brewing, another Dublin establishment, said that Alex was a “great industry colleague and a peerless brewer”, adding that his death has “completely shocked and saddened” the industry.
Another tribute online said: “I don’t think the craft beer scene in Ireland would be where it is today without Whiplash, and by extension Alex.
“I met Alex in passing at a few festivals and he came across as very passionate about brewing and just generally the kind of person that people wanted to hang around with. Really sad news but he will have a lasting impact on the beer industry in Ireland.”
Funeral details are yet to be released.
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