Sean McAleer, the founder of McAleers Bar in Dungannon, died on Thursday, June 4, his family said.

A post on the bar’s Facebook page confirmed his death, stating the family was devastated. The announcement said full funeral arrangements would follow, with a family-only evening on Thursday and a public wake planned for Friday and Saturday ahead of a Sunday funeral.

Mr McAleer opened the pub with his wife Rosemary in 1979. Over 45 years the establishment became a fixture in the town. In recent years the couple’s sons Conor and Justin have been running the business.

Tributes appeared on social media from customers and fellow publicans. One post described Mr McAleer as “a friend to everyone” who would leave a large gap in the town. A neighbouring bar, PB’s in Moy, expressed condolences to the McAleer family.

Funeral details were not immediately available.