Tributes have been paid to a well-known publican from the Moy who was much-loved by all who came through its doors.
Laurence Logue helped to run Tomney’s Bar in the Co Tyrone town, and was a familiar face to many who came into the bar from the Moy and further afield.
Laurence, affectionately known as ‘Logi’ and originally from Derry, passed away on Wednesday. The popular bar will close this weekend as a mark of respect.
In an emotional post on Facebook, Tomney’s said they had ‘lost a member of our family’.
“It is with the heaviest heart we write these words, we have lost a member of our family,” the post said.
“We express our greatest condolences to the Logue household and to everyone who Logi touched the hearts of.
“We will be closed for the weekend. We apologise in advance for bookings but unfortunately we are unable to facilitate these. Thank you for your understanding.”
Local musician and regular performer at Tomney’s, Kevin Hurson, said ‘Logi’ made time for every punter that made their way into Tomney’s.
“In the time that I knew him he was a real, genuine gentleman," he said.
"He always had time to talk to you, whether it be any of the punters who he had a great rapport with and he had a great way with the musicians coming in as well.
“He was just a nice guy, I never saw him cross once. The last gig that I did a couple of weeks ago Logi stood beside me all night.
“He was just watching the crowd and making sure everybody was ok. Any time that the crowd would get rowdy he would start wagging his finger at me as if to say ‘settle it down a bit’, in a light-hearted way.
“Logi liked his music and if you had seen him with punters and even the staff. He always just had a great way with people.
“I know the staff that work in there would have a lot of time for him, he was always there with a high five or a big hug for anybody that was coming in.”
Hundreds of messages were left online paying tribute to the Derry native, many highlighting the positive impact he had on the community in the Moy.
“This one is gonna take a long time to process. Logie came to The Moy and became one of its favourite sons. The epitome of a gentleman. I’m so sorry to all your family and friends in Derry and here in The Moy,” one said.
“Such a massive loss to the whole community. Such an absolute gentleman and a true character of the Moy. Good night Logi, thank you for all the amazing nights in Tomney's, we will miss you forever,” another added.
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