Lurgan is mourning the loss of a “friendly and helpful” publican, whose connection to the town’s hospitality trade cannot be overstated.
Jarlath McConaghy – one of five brothers instilled in Lurgan’s hospitality centre – passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, September 2.
He was most well-known locally as the former owner of The Beehive Bar on William Street.
The bar, which was once formerly the home of famous Ulster poet, philosopher and literary titan, George Russell, was originally taken on by Jarlath’s father, Thomas in 1959.
Today, the Thomas McConaghy & Sons Ltd empire has expanded to include The Ashburn Hotel (including the Burn Nightclub), The Courthouse Bar and The Woodville Arms, employing a healthy workforce of over 130 people.
The Ashburn Hotel led the tributes to Jarlath.
“Jarlath was not only a much-loved member of our family, but a former director and one of the cornerstones of our company,” they said.
“Jarlath played a special part in the journey of our family business and his loss will be deeply felt by all of us. As a mark of respect, The Ashburn Hotel will be closed this Friday until 5pm to allow our family, friends and colleagues to come together to remember and celebrate Jarlath’s life.
“The Burn Nightclub will also be closed Saturday 5th Sept. We would like to thank everyone for their understanding, kind messages and support during this difficult time. May Jarlath rest in peace.”
During his time behind the bar at The Beehive, Jarlath was an accommodating and friendly publican who took the time to know his patrons. Always enjoying a chat.
According to beerbore.com, an online blog and bar review site, when Thomas took the bar over in 1959, there was a beehive engraved on the single large front window, which gave the premises its quirky name.
The blog explains that Jarlath, who had been at the helm for roughly ten years by 2024, took a deep interest in the building’s history.
He apparently “welcomed” information about the mysterious ‘Valentine Harrison’, a former owner whose name was carefully placed in mosaic on the bar floor. According to the site, Jarlath had been able to ascertain that Valentine may have emigrated to America sometime after relinquishing the bar.
The bar also held several items of local sporting significance for a time including the Mid-Ulster Shield, League Cup and Alexander Cup, all won by Oxford United Football Club, whose first team photo also adorned the wall.
Paying tribute to Jarlath, the Committees and Members of St Peter’s CLG, An Lorgain said they were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a “familiar and much-loved figure to generations of St Peter’s people”.
They continued of the club’s connection to Jarlath’s welcoming bar: “For decades, Jarlath was the popular face of The Beehive Bar, one of a number of local establishments owned by Thomas McConaghy & Sons.
“The Beehive and St Peter’s Club were closely entwined, particularly throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s and many of our older members will have especially fond memories of time spent there and of Jarlath’s warm, engaging personality, his friendship and the welcome he extended to all who crossed the door.”
Likewise, many members of the public and former patrons have shared their sympathies, regarding Jarlath as a “gentleman” and “good friend”.
According to a death notice, he was the much loved father of Mary, Paul, Andrea and Conor, beloved father-in-law of Greg, Paula and Cíara, loving nanda to Dearbhlá, Daire, Ciara, Jack, Matthew and Cían, great granda to Ivo, Florrie and Jay, much loved son of the late Thomas and Margaret McConaghy and brother of Sean, Adrian, Catherine and the late Eamon, Ethna, Geraldine and Kenny.
His funeral will be held on Friday at 11.15am from his home to St Paul’s Church Lurgan for 12.00noon Requiem Mass with burial afterwards in St Colman’s Cemetery.
Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, are to Alzheimer’s Society c/o Jack McLearnon & Son Funeral Directors 75 North Street Lurgan BT67 9AH. Tele (028) 38322232 or donation box in the home.
