Howya! Brian Redmond (Fat Tony’s Barbershop on Middle Street)

Did you know that Galway is home to a diverse array of fascinating characters? This vibrant city is full of unique personalities, and we’re giving you the chance to meet some of them. Join us as we say Howya! to some of Galway's most interesting figures. This month, we had the pleasure of chatting with the stylish barber Brian Redmond as he shares his love for his homeplace, offers some styling advice, and let's us in on a secret..

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Q. Tell us about yourself.
My name is Brian Redmond, and I’m a barber/partner at Fat Tony’s Barbershop on Middle Street, Galway. I’ve been a barber for 27 years, and I absolutely love it. I love the tradition of the craft, the creativity, and above all, the personal element. Every day is unique.

Q. What’s your connection to Galway? 
I’ve lived in Galway for 48 of my 54 years. My wife Colette and my daughter Chloe are true Galwegians, so I guess I qualify through them!

Q. If you could give any celebrity a makeover, who would it be and what would you do?
Paul Weller. I would shave his head and get him to grow a beard, so I could finally look like him.

Q. Can you share some style advice? 
Always be comfortable in what you wear. But most of all, dress for yourself and don’t worry about what other people think.

Q. What’s Galway’s best-kept secret? 
Galway’s best-kept secret is that nothing happens here without Toby from Henry Street agreeing to it.

Q. What's your favourite thing to do in Galway? 
A walk in Barna woods and a pint in Neachtain’s.

Q. Favourite piece of Galway slang?
Shhtopp would ya!

Q. A place in Galway that everyone needs to visit?
The best place to visit in Galway is; to get a seat outside Neachtain’s, people-watch, and enjoy the best pint in the world.

Q. What's your idea of the perfect day off? 
Get up early and cycle out to Moycullen, then across to Spiddal and back home. Bring Winnie (our dog) for a walk on the Prom. Head uptown in the afternoon for a coffee, and just chill out for the rest of the day.

All photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.