A family-owned butcher shop in the heart of Loughrea, County Galway recently received a special visit from the celebrated comedian and television host, Conan O’Brien who sampled the shop’s famous black pudding.

The American talk show host is touring Ireland in the hopes of tracing his ancestors following an earlier DNA test that revealed he is “100pc Irish”.

The 60-year-old Massachusetts-born star made pitstops in Galway, Dublin and Limerick while filming for his new travel show Conan O’Brien Must Go, as he maps out his Irish family heritage.

Founded by John Loughnane, the grandfather of the current owner – John, Loughnanes has been a symbol of quality and tradition for over eight decades.

The story of Loughnanes is not just about meat but also about family and the unbreakable bonds of heritage. John’s wife, Lil, daughter of a Limerick butcher, brought her family’s black pudding recipe to the shop in the 1940s, a recipe still used and cherished today.

In the early 1960s, the baton was passed to Pat Loughnane, who upheld the family’s commitment to quality and community. Young John has been at the helm since 1996, continuing the legacy of his predecessors while infusing his own passion and dedication to the family business.

Conan O’Brien’s visit to Loughnanes was more than just a tasting tour; it was a journey through time and tradition. The team were treated to the legendary Loughnane family black pudding made from Lil’s original recipe. Conan’s engaging conversation with Pat offered a glimpse into the heart and soul of the Loughnane family, a moment that was both enlightening and humorous.

Loughnanes extends its heartfelt thanks to Conan O’Brien and his crew for shining a spotlight on their family’s story and commitment to the art of butchery.

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