“A lovely gentleman who loved a laugh,” was how one person has described Arthur McAnerney, who passed away on Wednesday – on his 50th birthday.
It’s brief but entirely fitting and is just one of scores of tributes which have flowed after the loss of the prominent Belfast restaurant owner.
From Carlingford to Belfast and Armagh, the father-of-seven touched the lives of many and was highly respected and regarded by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Arthur, from Priorylands, Rooskey in Carlingford, Co Louth, has been described in a funeral notice as the “beloved husband and best friend” of Maria, and “adored dad” of Oran, Aoibheann, Faye, Vicky, Lewis, Sebastian and Sophia.
He was a son of Catherine and the late Vincent, who founded McAnerney’s Supermarket on Irish Street, Armagh, in the 1980s and sadly passed away in 2013, and a brother to Nicola (Seán Óg), Patrick (Fiona), Clodagh, Paula (Ian) and Aidan (Karen).
Arthur was the proverbial ‘go-getter’; he was the owner of City Picnic in Belfast, which he opened along with co-founder and chef Gavin Gregg, 15 years ago on Castle Street. The business soon established a loyal customer base which continued to grow daily.
When the devastating fire at Primark forced the premises to close in August 2018, Arthur may have felt down but he was by no means out.
For City Picnic continued to trade in ‘mobile’ premises until, after a £500,000 revamp, it reopened with a new-look and exciting new menu in December of the following year.
To all those who worked for Arthur, he was more than a boss; he was a friend too, one who took a genuine interest in all and someone they felt privileged to work alongside.
City Picnic confirmed the passing of their owner on Wednesday evening with “profound sadness”.
Sharing the devastating news via social media, the business wrote: “Arthur was a much-loved husband, devoted father to seven wonderful children, and a cherished son, brother, family member and friend to so many.
“He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.”
Hospitality Ulster paid its own tribute to a man who did so much for, and gave so much to, the city of Belfast and beyond.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of Arthur, a true gentleman who will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him,” it said.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Arthur.”
Others have also been remembering Arthur online.
One said: “I was lucky enough to work with Arthur – a wonderful passionate fella – loved his work and was so invested in bringing City Picnic to immense success. Thinking of his family at this difficult time.”
And another added: “He definitely was a character and he will be so missed by so many.”
Arthur’s funeral will now take place on Saturday, with Funeral Mass at 11.30am in St Michael’s Church, Carlingford, after which he will be laid to rest in St Michael’s Cemetery.
His family, in their funeral notice confirming arrangements, had these beautiful words to add: “Some lights burn so bright they leave no shadow. You lived fully, loved fiercely, and gave us everything. Forever our protector, forever our joy. Your beautiful energy lives on in our hearts.”
To his wife, children, mother, siblings and all of Arthur’s family circle, we offer our deepest sympathy at this saddest of times. May he rest in peace.
