Cavan mourns the passing of popular publican

Mr Cadden's funeral will take place at St Felim’s Church, Ballinagh, at 12 noon on Tuesday

Tributes are being paid following the death of Dominick Cadden, the former proprietor of The Well Bar in Cavan Town and a well-known figure in the county's licensed trade.

Mr Cadden, who helped make the Bridge Street establishment a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, passed away peacefully on Friday (June 5) in Cavan General Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Mr Cadden was a familiar presence in the local hospitality scene for many years.

He and his wife Gay ran the Bridge Street establishment until its closure in 2024, marking the end of a long-standing chapter in Cavan’s social life.

Originally from Loughduff Post Office, Mullahoran, Mr Cadden began his career in hospitality at the age of 14, working with Tomás and Kathleen MacKenna. He later gained experience at Angela O’Brien’s pub on Ballinagh’s Main Street before achieving his lifelong dream of running his own pub in 1994, when Brian Lynch offered him first refusal on The Well Bar.

He is predeceased by his parents Dominick and Rose, his sister Mary, and brothers John, Larry, and infant Noel.

He is survived by his wife Gay, children Ursula and Donal, grandchildren Patrick and Cormac, son-in-law Niall, siblings Paddy, Gerry, Jim, and Martin, sisters Anne Smith and Bridie York, sister-in-law Mairead, a wide circle of extended family, many friends, and his faithful companion Bruno.

Mr Cadden will repose at McMahon Funeral Home, Farnham Road, Cavan, on Monday evening from 4pm to 7pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Felim’s Church, Ballinagh, at 12 noon on Tuesday, with burial to follow in the adjoining cemetery.