Gerry McCloskey sells Monico Bar

Gerry McCloskey who has run the Monico Bar in the city centre for the past 33 years has sold the business and says he intends to spend more time with his involvement in show jumping.

As chair of the Vintner’s Association for many years, Gerry was very involved in helping local bar owners and promoting responsible sensible drinking in licensed premises.

This morning the famous Monico bar remained closed as preparations began for a refurbishment by the new owners.

One of the Monico’s regulars told the ‘Journal’: “I’ll be sad to see Gerry go. It was a great bar and one you could normally get a seat in on a Saturday afternoon.

“There were never any blaring televisions or loud music. The bar was one in which you could have a conversation. Gerry was good to his customers and knew them all by name. I’ll miss my Christmas drink from him this year. Good luck to him in the future.”

The Monico is expected to open under new management in a few weeks.