Shock and sadness at death of popular Straide publican

The death of popular Straide publican and community leader, Brendan Maloney has been met with shock and sadness in the historic Mayo village.

Many tributes have been paid to Mr Maloney who was the proprietor the popular Copper Beech Lounge pub in Straide and was also a community activist and Chairman of the Michael Davitt Museum.

A native of Tuam, Mr Maloney was a well known publican having run Maloney's Bar and Restaurant on High Street in Tuam before moving to Straide after purchasing the Copper Beech Lounge nearly 20 years ago.

He quickly became a member of the community and got involved in many local projects and initiatives and was known to have become 'more of a Straide person than the Straide people themselves'.

The committee of the Michael Davitt Museum expressed shock and sadness at news of his death on Thursday evening and paid a special tribute to all the work he has done for the museum.

“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,” the museum wrote on its Facebook page.

There were also many tributes paid on social media to Mr Maloney with the Straide Community Facebook page posting its sadness at the news and condolences with his family.

“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.”

Straide and Foxford Utd Football Club also paid tribute to Mr Maloney stating that he was a great supporter of the club.

“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 & 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.” the club wrote on its Facebook Page.