Newry Chamber is deeply saddened by the passing of Declan McChesney, our former Vice President, friend and passionate advocate of Newry.
Declan was at the helm of Cahill Brothers Shoes on Hill Street, Newry for 47 years and a champion of the retail community in Newry City.
Cahill Brothers Shoes was established by Declan’s great-uncles from Castleblayney, 137 years before its closure in May 2021.
Declan was also a wholesale agent, importing some of Europe’s leading high-end fashion shoe brands, travelling extensively through Italy, Spain, Portugal and Ireland as a result.
Declan also played a significant role as Chairperson of the Newry Business Christmas Charity Dinner. Since its inception 22 years ago it has raised more than £1.4m for many incredible local charities.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Declan’s wife, Maryanne and his children Keith, Greg and Lauren. Everyone at Newry Chamber sends their love and support to the wider family circle and all of those in our community whose lives Declan touched with his compassion, humour, and kindness.
Julie Gibbons, President of Newry Chamber said:
“Declan was truly one of life’s giants in terms of his character, style and charisma. He was a bedrock of the Newry retail community and touched many lives with his charity work for Special Olympics Ireland and the Newry Business Christmas Charity Dinner.”
“He was an active campaigner for Newry business through most of his working life, never shying away from the difficult issues and he was an active and vocal Vice President of Newry Chamber for years. Declan will be sorely missed by many people and his passing is of great personal sadness to me.”
“The world will be a much duller place without him. Our thoughts are with Maryanne, Keith, Greg and Lauren at this difficult time.”
We would like to finish with a poignant quote Declan gave to Columba O’Hare, Newry.ie in an interview to mark the closure of Cahill Brothers last year.
“My heart will always be on Hill Street.”
Funeral arrangements can be found below:
May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
CLANRYE NEWS 