Sadness over the passing of Jinty Lynch

THE celebrations during the St Patrick’s weekend at Jinty McGuinty’s in Ashton Lane were as spirited as ever this year. It was just as Jinty Lynch, would have wanted. All that was different this year was that the table by the bar was festooned with floral tributes left by regulars. That and the absence of the woman who created it all.

Jinty (above) died earlier in the month, nearly 35 years since the opening the family run bar. The property had been purchased in 1989 and the alcohol license was finally granted in 1991.

Her son, Nicki, told The Irish Voice St Patrick’s Day was the pinnacle of the annual calendar for Jinty.

“St Patrick’s Day is our biggest day in the year and she looked forward to it immensely,” he said. “After losing her it was too much for me to be there for the celebrations. I set it up and went home before it all started.

“It has been a challenging time. I’m still working my way through the multitude of lovely messages. It has been so good to read them but at the same time, tinged with sadness.”

Born to a Ghanian father and a mother whose roots were in Donegal, Jinty created an Irish pub to rival any other. Along with The Ubiquitous Chip and Cul-de-Sac, Jinty’s was one of the first establishments in Ashton Lane. It was due to her, in no small part, the lane became one of the most visited destinations in the city.

While speaking to The Irish Voice, Nicki took the opportunity to reassure customers all will remain the same. The legacy the much-respected figure in the trade began is secure and will flourish.

“People have been asking about the future and I want them to know Jinty’s is safe hands,” he said. “We’ll continue to serve our customers and look forward to many successes in the future.”