The Mayor of Ringsend

Tony McDonald, aka Deeke Rivers, runs one of the most well-known truck stops in Dublin after it was featured in the popular crime drama, Kin. Before the spotlight was placed on his landmark diner, Deke spent years proudly serving his community as the Mayor of Ringsend.

“I’m not just a purveyor of good food, I try to also be a purveyor of good advice”

As I entered the repurposed shipping container, I was greeted by the sound of chips sizzling in the frier and an extended hand of the towering owner of Dublin’s most famous truck stop diner, Deeke’s Diner.

The diner was placed in the spotlight after it appeared as one of the locations of RTE’s popular crime drama, Kin. Since then, many fans of the show have made a pilgrimage to  this unique establishment.

I scanned the pictures on the walls of the diner. He points out his friends, and customers, the popular Irish Hip Hop act, Versatile.

However, I didn’t come to speak to him about his diner’s recent fame. I came to speak to him about his extensive community outreach and why he was known as The Mayor of Ringsend.

Tony McDonald, or Deeke as he has been affectionately dubbed by the residents of the area, has always been held in high regard for his active role in contributing to the community. For his years of service, he received the title of ‘Mayor of Ringsend’.

Loraine Barry, the manager of the Ringsend & Irishtown Community Centre, describes the title of ‘The Mayor of Ringsend’ as an “informal title” that is earned through a democratic vote amongst his peers in the Ringsend community.

The mayor will normally serve for a duration of three years. However, due to the Covid pandemic, Deeke served for a term of four years.  

During his service as mayor, his work was recognised by the former Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and other prominent figures in the political spectrum

When asked about the role, he said it was “to represent my community at the highest level. Even though it was a ceremonial role, you could get things done for the community.”

During his term as mayor, he focused his efforts on mentoring the young men of Ringsend, offering advice and encouragement to pursue productive life choices that would improve their quality of life.

“I gave my time to minimise the risk of larceny and drugs affecting our younger community. We give them other opportunities and stood against the purveyors of drugs that destroy our community”.

While he advocates for the fight against drugs and the destruction of lives that accompanies it, he admits that it is impossible to completely eradicate it.

“There are some pockets of drugs you’ll never get rid of. If it finds it’s way into a controlled system, like prison, how can you hope to stop it on the streets? The only way you can fight it is with education.”

As he prepares a customer’s meal, he elaborates about his outreach to the young men of the community.

“I’m not just a purveyor of good food. I try to also be a purveyor of good advice.”

The customer, John Murphy, is not a regular patron, but has been stopping off at Deeke’s over the years.

When asked about what the diner means to the area, he speaks of the variety of customers that frequent the diner.

“It’s great. The truckers and taxi drivers always come here. Really, there’s all types that come eat”.

Deeke laughs and adds “There’s a fella that get’s two breakfast rolls every morning. One for him and one for his wife. I asked him if he doesn’t like her”.

After serving John, Deeke returns to speaking about his outreach. He advocates the life changing benefits of sport. He cites the discipline it teaches and the distraction it offers from the temptation of vices.

He actively contributes to his beloved Docklands Football Club by working with the boys in the team.

When asked about this club, his loyalty to the team becomes apparent. He laughs and replies “It’s going really well. We haven’t won a game this season, but we’re losing a lot better.”

As an enthusiast of football, he incorporated a quirky system when dealing with youth that step out of line.

When asked about this, he smiles and pulls out his wallet.

“I say to them …”

He flips through the sleeves and checks the pockets. He produces a yellow card and holds it up for me to see.

“Now, you’re out of order.”

He chuckles for a moment and puts the card back into his wallet. Jokingly, I ask what happens when the red card comes out.

“I’ve never given a red card. If I give a red card, it means I failed.”

This statement speaks volumes about his caring nature. He genuinely wants to see the young men of his community succeed in life. He firmly advocates for rehabilitation or second chances for those that lost their way.

“We involve the community and try push them in the right direction. All he has done is stubbed his toe. If you lock him up, he will end up a lot worse off”.

“Given time, there is always the chance for healing and getting back on to a positive path.”

He believes by involving them, and the community, changes can be made to help the individual to find their footing in society and ultimately lead an honest life.

I asked how he has seen the community has changed over the years. He believes some things have changed for the better, but some things are also less than pleasing.

He talks about the gentrification of the area, much of this happening to cater to tourists. He believes that while it may be financially beneficial for some it has happened without benefitting the larger portion of the community.

Many in the community have been left behind while others have reaped the rewards of the increased flow of money. Deeke feels that if it were done with the community in mind, the residents of Ringsend and the business owners would have gained something.

Deeke doesn’t seem to plan to retire any time soon. He will continue to run his beloved truckstop and give back to his community till he can no longer do so.