Sadness as well-known publican passes away

There is sadness across Mayo and Galway this morning following news of the passing of well-known publican Brendan Maloney yesterday.

The Tuam native moved to Straide in 2005, where he owned The Copper Beech pub for over 18 years.

Brendan also owned Maloney's Bar and Restaurant on High Street in Tuam, including other establishments.

Mr Maloney was a beloved figure in the Straide and Foxford areas as he was chairman of the Michael Davitt Museum and was a great supporter of Bohola Moy Davitts and Straide & Foxford United.

The Straide Community Facebook page paid tribute to the late Brendan Maloney.

"This afternoon the heartbreaking news broke that we had lost Brendan Maloney.

"From Brendan taking over the Copper Beech he became more of a Straide person than the Straide people themselves!!

"His good humour and his seamless integration into the community of Straide endeared him to all who had the great pleasure of knowing him.

"Any community event Brendan was there to lend a hand and support in any way.

"We will miss his warm welcome and his laugh from the bar of the Copper.

"Our community's heart is heavy tonight.

"We offer our deepest sympathies to his beloved family and to all his many friends especially his Straide family of friends.

"You will be missed dear Brendan - thank you for the memories x".

The Michael Davitt Museum also paid tribute in a social media post.

"The Michael Davitt Museum Committee, Management and Staff are shocked and saddened to hear the heart-breaking news this evening of the passing of our beloved Chairman, Mr. Brendan Maloney. Brendan was an incredible, industrious shining light in our community for many years and epitomised all that is great about the parish of Straide. He will be sadly missed by the many people who knew him, and were proud to call him their friend. We would like to extend our sincere condolences to Brendan's family.

"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."

S&F Utd paid a healtfelt tribute to one of their biggest supporters this morning.

"Yesterday the news broke that Straide had lost one of her most loved sons, not Straide by birth but Straide by heart.

"From Brendan Maloneys' arrival in Straide 18 years ago, he has shown nothing but unwavering support to Straide and Foxford United AFC.

"Brendan supported us in every way possible. From sponsorship to sandwiches, cup success to cup commiserations, promotions & relegations... Brendan was there for it all.

"No stranger to the sideline at Green Road or Milebush for the big days.

"And in recent years Milebush to watch the Masters team, to offer advice and encouragement to certain players. Brendan you will be missed beyond words.

"We will miss your smile and hearty laugh behind the bar of The Copper.

"Thank you for your support to us but most of all thank you for your friendship. We offer our sincere and heartfelt sympathies to your beloved family, to your many friends and we especially think of your Straide family of friends.

"Rest In Peace Brendan x".

Brendan was also heavily involved with Sylane Hurling Club in Co Galway, who credited him for setting up their underage coaching structures.

"It is with profound sadness that we learned last evening of the sudden and untimely passing of Sylane hurling club founder Brendan Maloney Cloonaglasha.

"Brendan served as club treasurer in 1984 and subsequently was club secretary until 1992. He was the inspiration behind the clubs underage coaching structure in the earlier years that culminated in huge success that eventually led to county titles at adult level.

"In 1992 he was a selector with the Galway minor hurling management team that won the All-Ireland minor hurling championship.

"He always maintained a strong interest in the club throughout the years after moving to Straide, Co Mayo in 2005. His leadership and dedication inspired many volunteers in the club.

"We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to sister Veronica, brother Oliver, niece, nephews and extended family and his wide circle of friends in Sylane ,Tuam and Straide Co. Mayo.

"Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam dilis."

The RiverBank Bar in Foxford also paid tribute to their colleague.

"It is with heavy heart that we learned of the passing of fellow publican and friend, Brendan Maloney. 

A man that was always there for everyone who graced his doors and even outside the doors. He was full of community spirit and always there to help out others, be it publicly or silently. 

Brendan, was a friend to all, see us at our worst (normally from the night before) but he always put a smile on your face. He helped out so, SO many people without looking for thanks or praise, that was just his nature. A loss that will be felt in the straide and surrounding communities for a long while to come.

"Brendan, RIP and we hope you get the best seat up there".

Funeral arrangements are to be announced later.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.