Fond farewell to publican Jacinta
WEXFORD mourned the sudden loss of a much loved publican following the passing of Jacinta Feeney (née Bannan) of The Wexford Arms on John Street.
Jacinta will have been a familiar face to many as a result of her time behind the bar in the landmark Wexford pub which she ran for around 30 years. The mother of two purchased the pub with her beloved PJ and they took great pride in running a tight ship. In a lot of ways, she devoted her life to the running of the pub and it’s something that went beyond a mere occupation for her.
Jacinta had a great love of sports and music - two things which are vital for any publican. She took a particular interest in the darts and was always beaming as she watched the latest drama unfold from Ally Pally. On the music front, the pub was a regular participant in Wexford’s
Singing and Swinging Pubs competition and it was a source of great pride whenever they managed to scoop an award, of which there were many.
Along with PJ, Jacinta was a loving parent to two children in
Neil and Chiara. In later years, she became a doting grandmother to Josh and Ellie and would do absolutely anything for them. Family meant a lot to
Jacinta and she also enjoyed a wonderful bond with her sisters Fiona and Jennifer.
While she was always at the centre of the action behind the bar in the Wexford Arms, daughter Chiara noted that Jacinta was actually quite quiet and reserved away from the hustle and bustle of the pub.
‘She was a very kind hearted person and anyone who got to know her could see this,’ she said. ‘My mum was actually a very private person away from the pub, but if she thought someone needed help, she’d be the first one there if she could.’
Jacinta is sadly missed by PJ, her children Neil and Chiara, grandchildren Josh and Ellie, her brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. Following a poignant funeral service in Rowe Street Church, she was laid to rest in St Peter and Paul’s Cemetery in Portlaoise.
May she rest in peace.