Shock and sadness in Sligo at the passing of former publican Sean Dwyer

There has been widespread shock and sadness in Sligo at the news of the passing of former newsagent and publican Sean Dwyer.

Mr Dwyer passed away following a brief illness. A native of Riverstown, he was a very popular and much loved character who devoted much of time in a voluntary capacity to several local organisations.

Above all else, Sean (72) was a huge Sligo Rovers fan, never missing a home match in the Showgrounds and also travelling to practically every away ground in the country to see his beloved ‘Bit O’ red’. Rovers’ Europa Conference League run last summer was particularly memorable for Sean who supported them on the away trips as the club took on Balla Town, Motherwell and Viking of Norway. 

In previous years, Sean served on the committee of Sligo Rovers including a period as treasurer. 

Sean, who lived at Classiebawn, Drive, Cartron Point, Sligo with his wife and family, initially opened a newsagents in the area’s shopping arcade before taking over the local Village Inn Pub. He later took over the running of the Harp Tavern at Lower Quay Street in the centre of town. He loved the interaction with customers and made friends with countless locals and visitors.

He hosted many fundraising events, many for Sligo Rovers, at his pubs and loved organising quizzes. He was also generous in his sponsorship of many charitable events. He also played a role in the Sligo branch of the Irish Vintners’ Association. 

In latter years worked in the ever popular Connolly’s pub on Markievicz Road. He was also a well know musician and singer, fronting his own band which regularly played at Kennedy’s Bar, Rockwood Parade. Indeed, the band rang in the New Year at the venue.

Away from the pub business and music, Sean immersed himself in many local organisations including Cartron Residents’ Association and Sligo Tidy Towns. He also worked as a volunteer at the North West Hospice charity shop at Custom House Quay.

He was also on the committee of Sligo Live, the annual music festival hosted in the town each October. Sean also helped out with his local soccer club, Cartron United FC and at one point  managed a team at youth level. He also enjoyed entering teams in the local inter pub competitions of the 1990s with the Village Inn.  Sean passed away peacefully following a short illness at University Hospital Galway, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis and children, Neil, Ciara, Gráinne (U.K.) and Deirdre, brothers Paraic, Damien, Barry and Michael and extended family.

Reposing at Seán Feehily’s Funeral Home, Cartron Cross, Sligo on Friday, February 3rd, from 5pm until 7pm. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated in Saint Joseph’s Church, Ballytivnan, Sligo on Saturday, February 4th, at 11:30am with burial follows in Saint Patrick’s Cemetery, Scarden, Strandhill Road, Sligo.