Popular publican remembered

The late Sean Maguire, Yukon Bar, Belturbet

The generosity and kind nature of well-known Belturbet publican, the late Séan Maguire, age 72, was widely acknowledged at the time of his untimely passing, on June 8, 2023.

A native of the townland of Ben Brack, Corlough, the west of the county always remained a place close to this proud Cavan man's heart.

Séan worked as a builder before taking over the running of the landmark Yukon Bar on Holborn Hill with wife Margaret in November 1991. It was from behind the polished pub counter, or through the beaded door curtain to the adjoining Off Licence the Maguires opened in 2001, that the majority of people encountered and eventually got to know this most popular and much loved local character.

A popular haunt with tourists and locals alike, Séan hosted many events at the Yukon from music nights to fundraisers, and was always generous with his sponsorship. From the Lady of the Erne all the way through to the recent successive county fleadhanna in the Erneside town, Séan was a huge supporter of the community.

Above all else he loved interacting with his customers and made friends with countless visitors from across Ireland and further afield. Séan was always keen to discuss where tourists were from, their reasons for coming to Belturbet, and would lavish them with attention before sending them back on their way with an open invite to return.

Séan was especially fond of Irish traditional music, and the arts, and was a member of the troupe that won the All-Ireland Rural Drama award with playwright Brendan McCann's ‘Perri Como’s Leaving Town’ in the 1970s.

A talented whistle player, Sean had a good ear for music, having learned to play as a boy while still attending Tullyveela National School. He and his siblings were taught the instrument by local postman, the late Henry Cassidy, and later played with a ceilí band, delighting audiences across the region.

Born to John and Mary Maguire, the eldest of seven known as the 'Young Johns', Séan presented from a young age all the traits of someone who would become one of nature’s gentlemen.

He moved to Belturbet, aged 18 years, to live with his future beloved Margaret, the couple would have been their celebrating their 34th wedding anniversary last week, September 2.

With his daughter Linda born the year before, entering the pub trade presented Séan with an opportunity to provide for his family and also indulged in his favourite pastime - chatting and having the craic. This naturally translated to the warmth of welcome Séan extended to anyone who came through the door of his quaint establishment. Through good times and bad - recession, Covid, and changing trends in drinking habits - he continued the business with the same jovial attitude and forward-looking attitude.

Séan had a vast interest in many things, especially current affairs, and was determined never to let the television, small through it was, be the centre of attention. The volume was only ever turned up for the news - another of Séan's indulgences.

If the mood threatened to tip the canny Séan would display a trademark glint or knowing look to someone at the counter before good humouredly whipping up a debate that not only lightened the spirits but kept all entertained until closing time. Behind the bar, pride of place, is a large wooden spoon emblazoned with the words 'World's Greatest Sh*tstirrer'. That was got for Séan, and he always loved being part of the fun.

At the time of his death, reposing at his residence in the downstairs bar, many travelled to pay their respects to a person who always made a positive difference in the lives of those he met.

Outside his deep love of family and his pub, Séan took time to enjoy his own life. He loved the small and simple pleasures, like having a bloom of flowers planted at the front of the pub in an old bicycle basket, or feeding the birds out the back.

He took great pride in seeing his daughter Linda grow into a strong and determined woman in her own right, and doted on both her, wife Margaret, and the family dog, 'Princess'.

For years Séan, Margaret and Linda enjoyed many family holidays, travelling across Europe, where difficulty in dialect did little to perturb the happy-go-lucky Séan from making acquaintances, and before long friends with whoever he'd meet. There are nights that the people of Bulgaria would be serenaded before bedtime to Séan playing his tin whistle from the balcony, the slow air drifting out across the Black Sea coast.

Séan is predeceased by his parents Mary and John. His death is deeply regretted by his loving wife Margaret, darling daughter and best friend Linda, her partner Paul; brothers Peter, Gerard and Francis; sisters Nora, Maureen and Agnes; mother-in-law Frances; in laws; nephews, niece, relatives and many friends.

His funeral Mass was celebrated at the Church of Immaculate Conception, Belturbet, with burial afterwards in Staghall Cemetery. May he rest in peace.