‘End of an era’ as publican Paddy McCann is laid to rest

Mr McCann, who bought the Cellar Bar in Lurgan in 1979, has been described as a ‘true gentleman’ who loved the craic and banter at the bar.

Paddy, who was of the old school barman era, was regarded as a friendly and kind man who always spent time walking up and down the bar having a friendly chat with the customers.

Many have described his passing as the end of an era,

The Cellar Bar, which was first established in 1818, was bought by the McCann family in 1979.

Paddy and his family extensively rebuilt and renovated the bar several times over the decades and it has become a popular restaurant and public house for generations of customers.

Sited in the centre of Lurgan, Paddy ensured that all sides of the communtiy felt welcome in his bar.

His legacy lives on with his daughter Lesa who now owns the bar and his son Trevor who owns The Corner House in Derrymaccash.

Writing on Facebook on Friday evening, Lesa said: “It is with great sadness that the McCann family of the the Cellar Bar Lurgan announce the death of their beloved father Paddy.

“He will be sadly missed by his wife Anne, children Jim, Paula, Mairead, Lesa, Gregory and Trevor, grandchildren and great grandchildren, sons and daughters in law and family circle.

“My dads life was dedicated to his family and business and all the wonderful friends and customers whom he cherished dearly until the end of his days.

“He will be greatly missed by all. I know he always loved the chat laughter and friendship you all showed him throughout his life. This is a great comfort to us all as we come to terms that our dad is no longer with us. “Thank you for your kind and sincere wishes and support.”

Mr McCann’s funeral was on Monday January 11 at St Patrick’s Church, Derrymaccash.

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