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Death of famous New York bar owner who never forgot his north Belfast roots

Irish American businessman Gerry Toner who passed away on Wednesday with his wife Cathy Toner and friends Ed Kenney and Tom Moran.
Irish American businessman Gerry Toner who passed away on Wednesday with his wife Cathy Toner and friends Ed Kenney and Tom Moran. Irish American businessman Gerry Toner who passed away on Wednesday with his wife Cathy Toner and friends Ed Kenney and Tom Moran.

Tributes have been paid to Irish American businessman Gerry Toner who died at his home in Garden City New York on Wednesday.

Fr Myles Kavanagh, dedicated Sunday's evening mass at Holy Cross Church in Ardoyne in memory of the Belfast born Manhattan bar owner, who had been a regular donor and supporter of the Flax Trust, peace building initiative.

The 84-year-old was a close friend of John Hume, hosting the former SDLP leader on trips to New York

Irish American singer Andy Cooney paid tribute to the businessman saying he give him his break playing the piano in his New York bars when he was just 17.

"I only knew a few tunes when I started but as time went on I learned requests from the customers and before I knew it I found my path in life", he said.

Irish Voice editor Niall O'Dowd described him as, "pre-hipster, pre-gastro pub, pre-gentrification. He was, instead, an old-fashioned Irish host, charming, smart and everyone’s confidante.

"More than that however, there are countless numbers of young Irish who owe their careers to Gerry Toner who gave them their start in the hospitality business.

"Gerry was a marvellous raconteur, always ready with the quick joke and a quote, great company and always full of life and the joy of living. Once Gerry was around. the craic was not far away".

Requiem mass will be held at the Church of St Joseph, Garden City, New York on Wednesday with burial at Holy Rood Cemetery. He is survived by his wife Cathy, three daughters and four grandchildren.