The Donegal man who was once Glasgow's youngest publican will be 'fondly remembred'

Widespread regret was occasioned by the recent death of Mr Manus McDaid, Acres, Burtonport, which took place recently at the residence of his daughter Nora.

Although he had reached the advanced age of 91 years, he was in good health up until a short time before his passing. Manus was a native of Meenagowan, Lettermacaward and was a member of a well-known local family.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Nora (Breen), 10 years ago and also by his sisters Annie, Mary Bridget and Nora. Like many in his youth, he emigrated to Scotland and later went to Canada to work in the gold mines.

After a period, he returned to Scotland and bought a pub in Glasgow when he was in his twenties, making him Glasgow's youngest publican. He was also one of the first to set up a bus service from Donegal to Glasgow return.

The McDaid family returned to Donegal in 1984 and leased a pub in Strabane for a couple of years before purchasing the former Conaghan/Gildeas Bar and Lounge in Acres back in 1987.

It was a place he ran very successfully and happily until Covid arrived. It was a bar for all types of music and a special welcome for all callers. Manus was a most accomplished singer and musician and often dressed up as Elvis to the delight of all present. He was also known as our local “Saw Doctor”.

He was a great supporter of the local Burtonport Festival and took part in a remarkable “mock wedding” fundraiser in 2006, participated in the community parades, always provided music at our seafood banquet for years and had the great and deserved honour of opening our Festival in 2022.

Manus and Nora were married for almost 50 years and her death in 2015 was a huge personal loss to him and his family. Another one of Manus’ great passions was his following of Glasgow Celtic FC and he never missed a match that was televised.

Manus’ passing leaves a huge void in this area, where he will always be fondly remembered. His funeral mass took place to Belcruit Cemetery, following mass in St. Columba’s Church, Acres, concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Pat Ward, P.P, Rev. Fr Matt McInerny and Rev. Fr. John Joe Duffy.

Readers at the mass were Carmel Boner and Raymond McDaid. The soloist at the mass was Pauline Glackin. At the end of the mass, his granddaughter Mellisa paid a lovely tribute to her Grandad.

At the graveside, one of Manus’ favourite ballads, Grace, was sung by his neighbour and friend Gerry Glackin (Irish Brigade). He is survived by his daughter Lenora, son-in-law Denis McGee, brother Packie in Letterkenny, granddaughters Mellisa, Natasha and Aoife McGee, nephews, nieces, in-laws and a large family circle, to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

Manus’ months mind mass will take place in St. Columba’s Church, Acres on Sunday, April 5, at 11am.