Brian Ross, Aughnacloy, County Tyrone, Death, Funeral, December 2021
It is with great sadness that
I learn of the death of my cousin Brian McKenna (Ross), Aughnacloy, County
Tyrone.
Brian Ross bought his pub The Rossmore
in Aughnacloy in the 1970s after it had been bombed by Loyalists, and at the
time of being bombed had been owned by Seamus McMeel (Neddy).
Brian Ross was everything a
Barman should be, everyone was welcome, you left your politics and religion at
the door or you went right back out it again.
When Brian first bought the
Rossmore, it was very small inside, the lads, Paul Quinn, John Morrision, Brian
Singleton, Harry Dunlop and others would arrive in after a day’s work, I was
till at school but I would be in Brian’s straight after school and get the
darts going.
At one point my father, two
brothers-in-law and I played for The Rossmore in the Clogher Valley League.
Brian Ross was always very
good to me, he himself a great dart thrower, and he would often travel with the
team to Monaghan’s or McKenna’s in Augher for the League games.
Brian Ross encouraged me to
throw darts and I would in turn clear tables for him when the pub was busy and
he would give me coke and crisps for my work.
Brian Ross was very proud when
I won the Clogher Valley individual darts competition, although at the time I
was still only 13 years-old. I got £15, a Trophy and my picture in the paper
with Brian Ross.
Rest easy big man, always fond
memories.
Vincent McKenna BSSc PGDipSSc
MSC (First Class)
