Tributes pour in for well known Cork publican described as a "true gentleman" and a "great character"

TRIBUTES have been paid to the proprietor of one of Cork’s most famous pubs who passed away this week.

Robert (Bob) Healy, who ran the Blackman pub at Dublin Pike near Blackpool, passed away peacefully at the Bon Secours Hospital on Monday.

Local councillor Thomas Gould said Mr Healy was a great character who will be sadly missed by locals and regulars at the well-known watering hole.

“I used to work at Ballinahina near the Blackman and I knew lots of people that were regulars there,” said Mr Gould.

“It’s a famous pub on the northside and people would head there for a pint after work. It has always been a friendly meeting point for anybody in the Dublin Pike area.

“Lots of people would go for a pint in Blackpool and head to the Blackman before heading out to Carrignavar, Glanmire and White’s Cross. It is a great staging post and loads of people meet there. It has great regulars.

“Bobby was a big character and he will be missed,” Mr Gould added.

Fellow councillor Ken O’Flynn (FF), who went to school with Mr Healy’s children, described him as a true gentleman who made it his business to be friends with everyone.

“Bob was very generous and kind-hearted to people that were down on their luck.

“Some people might not know this but he used to go out privately and quietly into the community and help people who had come across hard times - it showed the true measure of the man.

“My thoughts are with his wife Maureen and family at this time.” On Facebook, White’s Cross GAA said Mr Healy was a great supporter of the club.

“White's Cross GAA are very saddened to hear of the passing of Bob Healy...Bob has been a very generous supporter of White’s Cross GAA for many years. He was one of the first sponsors of club jerseys when shirt sponsorship was first permitted by the GAA back in the 1990s and his generosity continued right up to his passing as we held our end of year social in the bar last month.

“To his wife Maureen, his sons Roy, Denis, Brian, David, Kevin, his daughters Patricia and Joanne, his extended family and his many, many friends, we extend our deepest sympathy. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.” Mr Healy is survived by his wife Maureen (née Cronin) and children Patricia, Roy, Denis, Brian, David, Joanne and Kevin.

He will be lying in repose at Mayfield Funeral Home on Wednesday from 5pm until removal at St Joseph’s Church at 7pm. His funeral mass takes place at 12pm on Thursday before burial at St Patrick’s Cemetery.