Northern Ireland

Tributes to Daniel Rice, ‘stalwart’ of the hospitality industry

Daniel Rice’s death a ‘sad loss’ – Colin Neill

Mr Daniel Rice
Mr Daniel Rice

The former owner of The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn, Co Down, has been remembered as a ”stalwart of the industry” following his death.

Businessman, Daniel Rice, formerly of Hampton Park in Belfast, died peacefully in NI Hospice on Thursday.

Mr Rice is survived by his wife Maureen, sons Paul and Garvan; daughter Berina; daughters-in-law Nuala and Aisling; and grandchildren Matthew, Lucy and Orla. He was pre-deceased by his daughter Sharon.

Mr Rice’s remains will repose in O’Kane’s Funeral Home, 2, St Jude’s Avenue, Belfast, for family only.

His Requiem Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10am in the Good Shephard Church, Ormeau Road, followed by burial in Drumbo Cemetery.

Join the Irish News Whatsapp channel

Mass can be viewed live via: https://www.holyrosaryparishbelfast.net.

Mr Rice’s family has requested no black attire be worn at his funeral, but mourners come dressed in colourful clothes “to celebrate Danny’s life”, with family flowers only. Donations can be made in lieu, if so desired, to Marie Curie or NI Hospice.

Speaking to The Irish News, Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality Ulster described Mr Rice’s death as sad news.

He added: My thoughts are with Danny’s family and friends at this time. His passing is a sad loss for his family and the wider hospitality industry.

“Danny was a stalwart of the industry, where he was well known and well respected.”