Recalling 370 years of life in Denvir’s

Recalling 370 years of life in Denvir’s

26 September 2012

THE rich history of one of Downpatrick’s most historical buildings was celebrated on Friday evening during an event to mark 370 years of continuous service in the heart of the town.

One of Downpatrick’s most respected men, former Ombudsman, senior civil servant and author Dr. Maurice Hayes, entertained an audience in Denvir’s Hotel to a lively account of its history and the many characters who have passed through its doors during a 370th anniversary dinner.

Speaking from behind the bar, glass of red in hand, Dr. Haye’s recalled a childhood spent in Denvir’s Hotel, which was bought by his mother in December 1939.

He recounted humorous tales of adapting to life in the hotel during World War Two when, he said, business boomed, partly due to lax licensing laws.

“To me there is a particular nostalgia associated with this anniversary,” said Dr. Hayes.

“It is a homecoming to the house where I grew up. I come with memories and with respect for the building and those who preserved it for all these years and those who supported it.”

Among the many patrons who have supported Denvir’s Hotel over the years are some of Ireland’s most historic figures, including Irish statesman Daniel O’Connell, Mrs. Delaney, the wife of the Dean of Down who entertained at the hotel and who considered the composer Handel and Jonathan Swift among her friends, and Sir Thomas Russell, the Man from God Knows Where.

But it was one local and perhaps more ordinary man who stood out most for Dr. Hayes during his own childhood at Denvir’s Hotel — a long-serving staff member Mr. James Blaney.

Painting a picture of Mr. Blaney as a living history character, he said the loyal waiter talked about Daniel O’Connell addressing crowds in the street from the front window of Denvir’s Hotel, while explaining how the cobbled area in front of Denvir’s Hotel became a debtor’s sanctuary after the cathedral fell to ruin.

“People came in with their stories and it was about the handing down of tradition,” he said.

“James had all these stories. He knew everybody who came up English Street from Thomas Russell to God knows who.

“James was a wonderful, loyal, decent good man. He epitomised good service, dignity and self respect.

“He stayed with us for many many years and was followed by Frankie McCrissican.”

Dr. Hayes said Denvir’s Hotel was a cross community place, which was frequented by people from all around.

“As far as my mother was concerned, the customer was king and was right,” he said.

“One of the great days for her was Black Man’s Day in 1938 when every room in the place was borrowed by different lodges.

“It was a great day for business, made even better by the fact that it rained.

“It was a good place to grow up in and a good place to learn tolerance and to appreciate difference.

“We are here to celebrate the place and to celebrate those who worked in it and owned it because it is they who held it in trust.

“We should also celebrate the patrons over the years without whom there would not be a business.

“I learnt a lot from these people and I owe them an awful lot.”