In Memoriam: Jay Mulligan (1966-2024)

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John J. 'Jay' Mulligan of Quincy, Massachusetts, noted painter, former publican and lifelong sports enthusiast, was beloved by his family, friends, colleagues and everyone who knew him.  He passed away on June 22, 2024. Read obituary here.

Born in South Boston to a close-knit Irish-American family, Jay attended Brockton High School, where he captained the hockey team and was also recognized as a talented artist.  He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting from Southeastern Massachusetts University, in North Dartmouth (now UMass Dartmouth).  

The Quiet Pint by Jay Mulligan

Jay became a wonderful, successful artist during his life.  Working from his studio, The Spilled Pint, in Quincy, Jay created hundreds of paintings that celebrated his  favorite topics, especially Boston sports, including local legends Larry Bird, Tom Brady and the Boston Bruins.  He loved painting fishing boats and sailboats, dogs, pub scenes with bartenders and customers, and Irish musicians playing live.  

Bolus Head, County Kerry by Jay Mulligan

His landscapes and seascapes captured the places he loved so well: Boston, South Boston and Quincy and every part of Ireland, but especially Cobh, County Cork. 

"I compose my paintings based upon interesting views," Jay once said in describing his work, "Then I vigorously paint the canvas, taking advantage of strong light, shadows and the injection of color to energize my paintings and make them come alive."

“Jay was well known for his artistic talents, most notably a painting he gifted to the hospital during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” according to a posting at Mass General Hospital.

Jay went on to lead a fulfilling life of service to others, supplying medical needs of homebound patients while working at Mass General Hospital’s Police and Security Department  for 24 years, where he was on duty during the Boston Marathon bombing and Covid 19 pandemic.

In his youth, Jay led a creative, adventurous life that even brought a burst of fame when he was in his twenties, when he became the very first winner of the immensely popular Guinness  “Win Your Own Pub in Ireland” contest.

It happened in 1994, when contestants around the world were invited to describe a pint of Guinness in 50 words or less.  The grand prize was a charming pub named Connie Dolan’s in Cobh, County Cork, overlooking the harbor. 

Guinness Win Your Own Pub poster

Along with 31,000 others, Jay entered the contest and became one of ten finalists sent to Ireland to compete for the grand prize.  In addition to the being poetic about Guinness, the finalists also had to demonstrate their bartending skills – pouring a perfect pint – and the ability to play a decent game of darts.  

When it came time for the finalists to sing their praise of Guinness, Mulligan came up with a perfect Irish haiku: 

The Process, The Bar

The Stool, The Bartender

The Question, The Answer

The Usual, The Guinness.


Jay Mulligan holding the ceremonial key to Connie Dolan's Pub


Mulligan won the contest and the pub, and spent the next year tending to his duties at Connie Dolan’s while serving as an international spokesman for Guinness.

Read profile of Jay Mulligan when he was featured in BITA's Travel + Culture magazine. 



Our sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of Jay Mulligan.  Rest in Peace.

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