NORMALLY it is a case of being called to the bar but after 33 years of dedicated service, or should that be perseverance, it was a case of Jarlath Prendergast being called away from the bar as he called time for the last time.
Word is Jarlath is working on the book, a blockbuster entitled 'Your Barred', which is dedicated to some of the characters that frequented Mayo's best known sporting pub, Mick Byrne's in Castlebar.
Jarlath arrived on Mick's doorstep in short trousers looking for the start and he never looked back since, becoming a highly trusted and well respected member of staff at one of the most famous emporiums.
Known as the king of the one-liners, Jarlath was always kind and courteous, yet firm when he needed to be, in a trade he served with only the highest of professional standards.
In recent months he decided he had enough of the pint-pulling and decided to hang up his optics and call it a day.
Although not usually one to be caught off guard, Jarlath was caught on the hop when he was brought into Mick's on Wednesday night where he was, for once, left speechless when hit with 'surprise'.
The huge crowd of well-wishers and family members was an indication of just how well regarded Jarlath was, and he is wished many happy years in his retirement.
There are many great stories and yarns to be told by Jarlath but the one that always sums up Jarlath's ice cool temperament had to be when the late Gus Garvey arrived into the pub, slightly distressed, after a very bad experience.
"Would you believe it Jarlath?" said Gus.
"Some f..... threw a bottle through my window last night."
Quick as a flash came the reply from Jarlath: "Was there a message in it Gus?"
Happy days JA.

 

Farwell to Brendan
BRENDAN Flynn's sudden death last week has left a void in the hearts and minds of many who were fortunate to make his acquaintance and his passing has robbed Mayo GAA of one of their most dedicated supporters.
We tend to apply the term 'gentle giant' a bit liberally at times but Brendan epitomised what gentility and kindness was all about.
He served his time in Harry's of Kinnegad, a famous pit-stop for beleaguered Mayo supporters, where his friendly smile always greeted Mayo supporters (usually after being beaten in Croker) on their weary trek back west.
Brendan knew his football, but then he learned it from the some of the best scholars in his native Kilmeena.
Brendan also did a stint in Breaffy House before moving back to his much-loved Westport where he was a popular barman in the Spinning Wheel.
The soul of discretion, Brendan was not one to pass judgment, and in the years I knew him I can't remember him speak ill of anybody, except maybe the shower from Kerry, Cork and Meath who always seemed to get the better of us in those All-Irelands.
There was nothing that gave Brendan more pleasure than a pint outside the counter and the odd punt on the horses.
But the GAA was his great love and he travelled the length and breadth of Ireland to support his native Mayo, a regular on the Westport supporters' bus who have lost one true friend.
In more recent years Brendan spent a lot of time in Castlebar, a town he had a great grá for, where he was a regular caller on his mother who was in hospital. She can be very proud of the fact that her son dedicated so much of his time to ensuring she was comforted and loved in her own ill health.
While Brendan's family will miss him dearly, we too, who had come to know his warm smile and gentle ways, will also mourn the passing of one of life's rare but genuine gems. Farwell dear friend.

The masters
JUST when you thought it was safe to go back on the basketball court I see where former Ballina double national cup-winning coach Terry Kennedy has been shooting the lights out for the Irish Masters basketball team (Over 50s).
Terry is pictured here with Kiltimagh Giants' Ray McGreal as they teamed up for the British masters tournament.
The Irish team won the tournament, beating an English, a Scottish and a highly fancied American team in the final.
Both Ray and Terry were very proud to represent their country and the lads are looking forward to the next tournament in Italy in September. Yes, it would seem life does begin at 50 anymore.
Any room for John Hynes and Martin Newcombe, Terry? Bag boys of course. I might even come out of retirement myself - God forbid.

 

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