Daniel Micheal Ahern

Daniel Micheal Ahern, affectionately known as Danny, died peacefully on December 14, 2024.  He was surrounded by his loving family and friends at Hospice of Wichita Falls after battling Glioblastoma Brain Cancer for nearly two years.  

Daniel was born September 2, 1977 in Newport, Co. Tipperary, Ireland. He was a spirited young man and began his journey into entrepreneurship by working alongside his father from a young age.  He had a solid group of friends in Ireland and mischief always seemed to find them.  Daniel found rugby at a young age and played for the Newport Rugby Club.  

Daniel attended school at St. Josephs College in Newport, Co Tipperary, Ireland where he was known to pass a prank or two hoping not to get caught.  He later attended Vernon College and Wayland Baptist College where he graduated at the top of his class with a BA in Business in 2015.  

At the age of 18, he moved to the United States after winning a Diversity Immigrant Visa. He settled in Wichita Falls and was sponsored by his aunt and uncle, Marian and Tom Callahan. What was meant to be a temporary stop became his home.  His first job was at the Holiday Inn followed by being a bartender at Frank’s Place.  He worked in a few other bars in town which led to his want to someday own one of his own.  

While working at Blue Cross Blue Shield (where he worked for more than 25 years), Daniel co-founded the Iron Horse Pub in 2000 with John Dickinson. The pub became a cornerstone of the Wichita Falls music scene and earned recognition as one of the “10 Best Live Music Venues in Texas.” That same year, Daniel founded the Downtown St. Patrick’s Day Festival, holding the first event at the pub. What began as a small gathering grew into one of the city’s most beloved annual events, celebrating Irish culture and music.

Along with Daniel’s countless other endeavors, he somehow found the time to continue his passion for rugby by playing and coaching the local MSU rugby team alongside Rod Puentes.  He had a fondness for the team, players and camaraderie built over the years.  

Daniel became a U.S. citizen in 2005, a moment he called one of the proudest moments of his life. He described it as a way to strengthen his ties to a community he loved. He married Amanda Eidson on August 2, 2008. Together they have two sons, Ronan and Declan. Daniel was deeply proud of his boys and loved sharing his Irish heritage with him. 

In 2011, Daniel and his business partner John Dickinson were awarded the Small Business Award by the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce, recognizing their contributions to the City of Wichita Falls. In 2011 Daniel was also named one of the 20 under 40 award in Wichita Falls. 

Daniel had a passion for revitalizing old buildings in downtown Wichita Falls. Several buildings he was instrumental in getting historical restorations completed on are: 711 Indiana, 614 7th St (The Speakeasy), 620 Ohio.  The Iron Horse Pub and 711 Indiana also have Landmark designations.  

For years, Daniel booked major musical acts and the list is too long to list. Daniel also booked the bands for major citywide events including Hotter ’n Hell 100, Cajun Fest, Cattle Barons Ball, July 4th and Falls Fest. He gave back to the community through his countless volunteer board hours with organizations. He served on the boards of Union Square Credit Union and Wichita Falls Downtown Development. 

Daniel had the unique ability of bringing people together. He believed in the power of community. Whether through music, festivals, or conversation over a pint, he made Wichita Falls a brighter, more welcoming place. He will be remembered for his quick wit, generosity, honesty, and his heart. 

Daniel is preceded in death by his grandmother, Bridget Hurley; many aunts, uncles, family and friends. 

He is survived by his beloved wife, Amanda; his sons, Ronan and Declan;  his parents, Anthony and Hannah; sister, Niamh and her family; brother, Gordon; as well as his in-laws, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, and a countless number of family and friends he made along the way. 

A Rosary and Vigil service will be from 6p.m. to 6:46 p.m. followed by visitation until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls.  The funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 20, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.  Rite of Committal will follow at Crestview Memorial Park under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls.

Memorial donations can be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls (howf.org) in honor of Daniel Ahern.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com