The death has occurred of well known local publican Betty Traynor (née Fitzpatrick).
Betty is best known in local circles for operating The Phoenix Bar in Park Street. In years gone by she also ran The Phoenix in Newry and The Windmill Bar in Seatown Place.
She sold The Windmill in 1998 before taking over The Phoenix, which became well known far and wide for its colourful decorations for a wide range of festivities including St Valentine’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, Easter, Halloween and, of course, Christmas.
In 2014 both Betty and her beloved Phoenix featured in a film called ‘Nameless’ where she played a landlady who served one of the main characters a drink.
Betty passed away on Christmas day peacefully at her home in Newry following illness.
She is survived by her husband Stephen, son Daniel, brothers Dominic, Austin, Benny and Danny and extended family and friends.
Her remains will leave her home on Wednesday December 28th at 10am, arriving at the Cathedral of St Patrick and St Colman, Newry, for 10.30am Requiem Mass. Interment will take place immediately afterwards in St Mary’s Cemetery in Newry.
Sympathy is expressed to her family and friends.
May she Rest in Peace.