Sadness in Ballinascreen following death of popular Belfast bar owner

A Draperstown man who left the area more than 60 years ago to work in the bar trade in Belfast has sadly passed away.

Kevin Cassidy owned the Hatfield House on Belfast's Ormeau Road and spent more than four decades working behind the bar there.

Announcing his death on the popular South Belfast bar's Facebook page, the Ballinascreen native's family wrote: “Heroes come and go, but legends are forever.”

They added: “We are beyond heartbroken that our dad and leader Kevin passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on the 20th of February 2026 RIP KEVIN CASSIDY.”

Kevin came to Belfast when he was just 18 years-old and he worked and managed many of the city's bars before he bought the Hatfield House in 1976.

His son Kieran joined him in the family business when he was just 12 years-old. His sons John and Stephen are also involved in the business.

Earlier this month, the Hatfield House announced that Kevin was due to celebrate 50 years running the bar.

“This year is his 50th year of being our boss, the Doire man is the Hatfield House's commander and custodian of this amazing building. We thank you Kevin for everything.”

Locally, sadness has also been expressed following Kevin's passing.

Sixtowns Community History and Heritage Group paid tribute saying: “It is with deep regret that we hear of the passing of one of our longtime followers and Sixtowns man, Kevin Cassidy. Though he left to work in the bar trade in Belfast well over 60 years ago, he never forgot the place where he grew up.”

Kevin's funeral will take place this Thursday at 11.30am in St Luke's Church, Belfast followed by burial in St Patricks, Sixtowns, Draperstown.