Winner of NI bar’s last bottle of Buckfast revealed - and raised money for charity

The sole bottle was the last in stock at The Woodville Arms Bar and Off Sales in Lurgan, Co Armagh.

Buckfast is in short supply as the firm which makes the fortified wine has ceased production due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Woodville Arms has been unable to replish its stock.

Down to its last bottle, owner Kenny McConaghy said they wanted to raise some money for their favourite charity Downs and Proud, which has been unable to host its annual fundraiser there this year because of the Coronavirus crisis.

And it was big Paul McCabe, a well known barber in the Co Armagh town, who bid for the Buckfast bottle.

Paul said: “I’m from the Metropolis of Lurgan. Buckfast is in our Blood.

“But asides from that Downs and Proud are such a worthy cause,” said Paul who runs Hero&Co Barbers in North Street Lurgan..

Within half an hour of the sole bottle of Buckfast posted on Woodville Arms Facebook page there were many bidders and Paul snapped it up for a cool £50 and a bag of ice.

Kenneth said he would match that and the money will be going to Downs and Proud, a charity run by Aine and Martin Beatty who set it up as their son Jay has Downs Syndrome.

Martin Beatty, father of Jay, said: “On behalf of everyone at Downs & Proud we would like to thank Kenny McConaghy and all at the Woodville Arms, over the last 16 years.

“They have supported our charity in so many ways and it has made such a difference to the lives of our members. Also a big thank you to all those who bidded and to Paul McCabe for his amazing bid. Good Health to everyone and stay safe.”

Buckfast, also known as Lurgan Champagne, is a popular beverage in the Co Armagh town.

However it appears there may be very few bottles left as Buckfast production has been stopped.

When lockdown happened a spokesperson for Buckfast said: “Given the unprecedented Covid-19 situation, we wanted to take time to update you on our position.

“With immediate effect our offices and production lines will temporarily close, this decision was not taken lightly, however we must act on the Governments advice.

“Our safety and wellbeing of our employees, and the wider community is of the utmost importance.

“We must play our part in helping to protect our NHS by asking our employees to stay at home.

“With the temporary closure, our distribution network will be freed up to play it’s part in delivering vital essential commodities across the United Kingdom at this time.

“Our production will commence as soon as we can. Thank you for your understanding.”

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