Northern Ireland

Tributes to Irish immigrant Jimmy Neary who became one of New York's most adored and famous publicans

Tributes have been paid to iconic New York restauranteur, Jimmy Neary, who was originally from Sligo, who has died at the age of 91
Tributes have been paid to iconic New York restauranteur, Jimmy Neary, who was originally from Sligo, who has died at the age of 91 Tributes have been paid to iconic New York restauranteur, Jimmy Neary, who was originally from Sligo, who has died at the age of 91

AN array of well-known faces are expected to gather in New York for the funeral of an Irish businessman, who became one of the city's most adored and famous publicans.

Jimmy Neary, who was originally from Tubbercurry in Co Sligo, died peacefully in his sleep, at the age of 91, on October 1.

A New York City Irish restaurateur, who was a father-of-four, he was one of the most successful immigrants, becoming a self-made man who sat with presidents, mayors, bishops, congressmen and governors.

Having emigrated to the US in 1930 at the age of 24, the Sligo man began his career as a porter at the New York Athletic Club in 1954, where he later became the first former employee to become a member.

He was also later honoured as Irishman of the Year in March, 2013.

Having opened Neary's restaurant on St Patrick’s Day in 1967, he went on to become a legend, regularly welcoming high-ranking politicians, religious leaders, television personalities, famed authors, sports icons and a cross section of New York's finest.

Among the first to visit the new restaurant was American hero, astronaut and Ohio senator, John Glenn, who had dinner at Neary's, while one of it's most glamourous guests was Irish film legend, Maureen O'Hara, who described Neary’s as her home from home.

Also among its many famous visitors was New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, who, on occasion, was accompanied by then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Bill Clinton, as well as assorted VIP guests.

Mr Neary, who was once accompanied on a trip home to Tubbercurry by Mr Bloomberg, was also famous for other reasons. His lamb chops were regularly mentioned by Kathie Lee Gifford on TV and he also appeared in more than 25 books, as himself, written by author Mary Higgins Clark.

Known for treating everyone with the same care and respect, one tribute described Mr Neary as an "Irish immigrant who embodied the American dream and who strongly valued his faith, family and country. He lived every moment as if it was his last".

Another added: "Jimmy was the man who met you with a smile on his face, no matter whether you were a stranger or a close friend".

Requiem Mass will take place on Saturday at St Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan will celebrate the Mass while Mr Bloomberg will present the eulogy.