'Gone way too young' - Tributes paid to Donegal barman and hospital porter

Tributes are being paid this week after the sad death of popular Donegal native Brian Connolly who worked as a barman and hospital porter in Co Offaly.

The former St Eunan's Letterkenny student was a well-known barman in Offaly having moved there some years ago and one former employer was one of the first to pay tribute.

Predeceased by his parents Eileen and Brendan, Brian will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his sister Martina, brother Noel, partner Jenny, children Lauren, Jordan (Adam), Brandon, Katie and Emma (Dylan), Lauren and Brandon’s mother Lisa, nieces Nicole and Sam, relatives, friends, staff at the Tullamore Hospital and Tom and Gerry’s Bar.

The Brewery Tap pub in Tullamore, owned and run by Paul Bell, posted a beautiful tribute to Brian on social media after his death on Monday morning. 

"We are very sad to hear the news that Brian Connolly has passed away earlier today. I think I gave Brian his first job in the Bridge House when he arrived here from his native Donegal many years ago," Paul said.

"Brian was a great worker and very accomplished barman. He was always in great humour and up for the craic. Brian will be sadly missed by all his work colleagues in Tullamore General Hospital and by everyone out in Tom & Gerry’s bar in Ballinagar.

"We would like to offer our deepest condolences to Brian’s family and wide circle of friends. RIP Brian, gone way too young," the post concluded.

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Others echoes those sentiments in their own tributes. One said: "Rest in peace my good friend. Many years of funny memories working the far bar in the Bridge House, biggest messer in there, you’ll be sadly missed."

Another described Brian as "a great porter in the hospital" as they remembered "all the craic when working in Gallaghers Manor."

A third added: "I worked with Brian when he started in the Bridge House, he always had a word for everyone. And recently, any time I was in Tom and Gerry’s, he would always go out of his way to say hello. Very sad news. RIP Brian."

One friend added: "A great barman and hard worker in the hospital. It was very sad on Thursday night as we learned of what was happening. May Brian rest in peace."