In 1876 a horse named Tyrconnell won the prestigious National Produce Stakes. Present in the crowd that day was a local distiller, A.A. Watt
who chose to commemorate the occasion by creating a limited edition, small batch whiskey that bore the name of their local champion. Although A.A. Watt intended to make The Tyrconnell just once, it ended up becoming his most popular whiskey. Prior to Prohibition, the Tyrconnell claimed to be the world's best selling Irish whiskey. Today, the brand is maintained by the Kilbeggan Distilling Company, proud protectors of Irish whiskey making traditions.