Tributes paid after passing of Derry bar owner
Tributes have been paid to the owner of popular Derry bar Sandinos landlord Joe Mulheron who dies on May 9.
SDLP leader Colum Eastwood was among those who offered condolences following the 76-year-old’s passing.
He said he was “very sorry to learn of the passing of well known and respected publican and folk singer”, adding: “Joe will be sorely missed but remembered fondly.
“Thinking of Joe’s family and all who knew him at this difficult time.”
The Water Street venue is hailed by locals and even Hollywood celebrities such as Saoirse Ronan as one of the very best bars in Northern Ireland.
Mr Mulheron, originally from Belfast, was a passionate promoter of folk songs and music tradition.
He organised many events in his adopted city over the years and used the bar to showcase talent.
The musician has composer a catalogue of mostly humorous songs associated with events in Northern Ireland.
Writer and commentator Darach MacDonald also expressed sadness.
“The Man of No Property, the Voice of Resistance has fallen silent,” he wrote on Facebook.
“The folk singer of the North’s civil rights movement and the founder of Sandinos in Derry – the best socialist bar in the world – passed away last evening.
“Joe has gone from us, but his songs of resistance still ring around the hillside. No Pasaran, Vive Sandino, Vive Joe!”.
