Laois publican who ran one of Ireland's oldest pubs passes away in Portlaoise

Numerous tributes have been paid to former Portlaoise publican Noel Hume who ran one of Ireland's oldest pubs in the Laois county town for many years.

Late of The Down's off the Stradbally Road in Portlaoise, and formerly of Humes Bar on Main St, Noel died peacefully on February  17 surrounded by his loving family.

Predeceased by his daughter Aoife, Noel is deeply regretted by his loving wife Rose, daughters Aisling and her son Malachy and Malachy snr, Niamh and her husband Damien and their son Robert, sisters Fionnula and Eimear, brother Arthur, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Noel was the great-grandson of Robert Hume, an Offaly native, who acquired the Portlaoise premises in 1863. Noel took it over from his father Arthur in the 1960s and continued to run the pub into the early 21st century, first with his mother Maureen and then his wife Rosaleen. Noel was the last Hume family to run the business. 

Noel attended St Mary's CBS where he was known as a top student and a great athlete. Shortly after leaving school, Noel was an Irish army cadet. His wife Rose was a member of the Kavanagh family of Railway Street, where her father Michael and, later, her brother Denis had a popular bicycle shop that was a local landmark.

The pub's local fame and popularity led to it lending its name to the junction of Main St, Bridge St and Well Road. The area is known locally as Humes Corner.

A fact well appreciated by Noel who had a keen interest in local history. A member of Laois Heritage Society, he,with the late 'Skipper' Deegan, performed a valuable service some years ago by deciphering inscriptions on headstones in the Burial Ridge.  His project on the old graveyard in Portlaoise was published in a Laois Heritage Society Journal and is regarded by the society as an invaluable piece of research.

The pub attracted a clientele from all sections of society and Noel was a genial host who enjoyed the craic with his customers. Back in the 1950s and 60s, these included patrons, and sometimes even musicians, from the nearby Danceland ballroom.

Away from his own counter, Noel socialized in Bernie Keegan's hostelry across the street, and in Liam Ryan's (Ramsbottoms) up the street. Sadly, Bernie and Liam have also gone to their eternal reward. Noel was a gifted artist and his paintings drew admiration at exhibitions. He bore his final illness with fortitude lovingly cared for by Rose and his family.

The Leinster Express reported in 2010 that 'Portlaoise's oldest pub' had shut its doors after nearly 150 years of continuous business. Humes would reopen and is now run by a member of another well-known Portlaoise family Liam 'Stapo' Brown.  

Many tributes have been paid to Noel on Rip.ie. READ BELOW PICTURE

"Our deepest condolence to Rose and family and extended families and many friends at this sad time for all. Many a good evening was had in Humes after matches back in the day. Noel always wore a great smile and a big welcome for all. Rest in Peace," said neighbouring Willie & Ann Marie Ramsbottom who ran the neighbouring Ramsbottom's pub.

"Deepest sympathy to Rose and all the Hume family on the very sad passing of Noel May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time," said another publican Grellan Delaney and his wife Phil.

Kevin and Pat Scully also paid tribute: "Sincere sympathy to Rose, Aisling and Niamh on the very sad passing of Noel. Also to Eimear, Fionnula and Arthur and the expended family. Noel was a very good friend of ours and we had so many good times over the years. They are now cherished memories. Rest in peace Noel". MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured Noel Hume and Mary Sweeney viewing an old photo of Stradbally Road, Portlaoise, at the launch of the Exhibition - "Main Street Down the Years" at Portlaoise Library during Heritage Week in 2012. Photo: Michael Scully

Brendan and Ann O'Sullivan, Meelick, Portlaoise also extend their sympathies highlighting the deceased's passion for art.

"We wish to express our deepest sympathy to Rose her girls and families. Noel was a gentleman a kind man. A beautiful artist his paintings are amazing. May Noel rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you," they wrote.

There were also tributes from Laois politicians Seán Fleming TD and Portlaoise councillor Catherine Fitzgerald.

Noel's remains repose at his residence on Thursday, February 20 from 4pm concluding with Rosary at 7pm. Removal on Friday at 1:30pm to arrive at SS Peter and Paul's Parish Church, Portlaoise for 2pm Requiem Mass.

Interment afterwards in SS Peter and Paul's Cemetery in Portlaoise.