A FORMER OWNER of a much-loved Newport pub who ‘loved to make people laugh’ has sadly died.
Originally from Ireland Jimmy O'Donnell took over The Hereford Arms, Maindee in 1970 with his wife Madge.
At the time the pub had the ‘best darts team in Newport’ with The Hereford Arms also having a pigeon club and pool team.
In 1979 the couple moved back to Donegal to retire but remained friends with a variety of friends and customers from Newport.
Surrounded by his family ‘kind and caring’ Jimmy died on February 4, 2024 aged 88.
Patrizia O'Donnell said: “Madge and Jimmy O'Donnell took over the Hereford Arms in 1970 they had a pool team, pigeon club and darts team all of which were very successful at the time. The darts team especially so.
“They moved back to Ireland in 1979 to retire. They still have a lot of friends in Newport that were customers in the pub.
“Unfortunately, on the February 4, 2024, Jimmy passed away after a brave fight.
“He loved to make people laugh. He was kind and caring and was always happy if you were happy. Would always help anyone if he could.
“A lot of people have great memories of him.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here