Write a commentThe feed trade both North and South of the border were saddened to hear of the recent passing of Newry man Jack O Hare. Jack was a stalwart of the trade and had the unique distinction to serve as President of both the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association (NIGTA) and the Irish Grain and Feed Association (IGFA).
Jack and his brother Michael ran the family feed milling business trading as J. O’Hare Limited based on the Merchants Quay in Newry. The business had a strong customer base through South Armagh and South Down and earned a high reputation for quality and integrity. Jack was articulate and reasonable, always courteous and became influential in the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association when it was formed 1966. He became the voice of the family businesses and was one of the earliest country millers to be a committee member and ultimately the president of NIGTA. He was frequently asked to speak at functions and dinners - whether on serious topics or as the provider of wit and good humour to lighten the mood. His sense of fun always shone through on these occasions and he could tell a story well - his crack about the time when business was so bad that even the customers who didn’t pay had stopped ordering, is often quoted.
In retirement Jack was involved in many community activities and worthy causes – and of course his great passion – sailing on Carlingford Lough. He always kept up his interest in the feed trade however and was a welcome guest at functions throughout Ireland until very recently. He is remembered fondly for his good nature, good humour and as a true gentleman of the trade.
Commenting on his death the IWAI Newry and Portadown Branch Facebook page added "The branch is saddened to hear the news of the death of Jack O'Hare. Jack was a founder member of the branch in 2005 and a loyal and active supporter of all our activities right up until his death. He was a man of great good humour and interested in all things nautical from engines to weather systems. Our memories of Jack include him attending our first ever workparty in 2008, visiting Seatruck's new ship in Dublin and most recently at the Ulster Aviation Society in October. We'll miss him and we offer our sympathies to his entire family."
