Mr Eamon Smyth

MR Eamon Smyth, who passed away peacefully in Strangford Court Care Home on Friday, November 8, was Downpatrick’s longest serving barman.

Eamon was well known in the district for working in the bar trade for nearly 50 years, during which time he made many good friends.

He was born in Downpatrick and grew up in Ardpatrick alongside his brothers, Patrick, Michael, Gerard, Brian, Jack, Joe and Stanley, and his two sisters, Marie and Deirdre.

Eamon was the father of six children, Liam, Kieron, Peter, Kevin, Donna and Isobel, who he supported by working in the bar. During this time he met his partner, Vera, and they enjoyed 25 years of happiness.

His first job was in the Balmoral Inn off the Lisburn Road in Belfast. He then worked in the Ava Bar in Bangor before returning to Downpatrick in 1971 and continuing to work in various local bars.

Eamon always talked about his happiest times being behind the counter in the Round House Bar, particularly during Christmas 1977 when he felt great pride at the Downpatrick Rec football team winning the Steel and Sons Cup.

He retired from bar work to spend more time with his children and grandchildren, but he still worked the occasional shift. He loved to tour the countryside with Vera and his grandchildren. He enjoyed the odd bet on the horses, with more losers than winners, and he always referred to backing donkeys when his horses lost.

Eamon will be lovingly remembered by his partner, sons, daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brothers, sisters, friends and extended family circle.

His Month’s Mind Mass will be held in St Patrick’s Church, Downpatrick, on Wednesday, December 11, at 7.30pm.