| Publican killed on visit to homeland
By Niamh Hennessy
A 32-year-old Irish publican from Ilford was murdered while visiting
his hometown in Co. Clare.
Father of five Vincent Hehir, originally from Kildysart, had been living
in England for several years and ran the Black Horse pub in Chapel Hill
in Ilford.
But he lost his fight for life at Ennis General Hospital, Co. Clare, last
week after spending four days in a coma following an attack outside a
pub in Kildysart.
He had travelled to Ireland to collect his five children aged eight, seven,
five, two and two months, who had been on holiday with his parents for
the summer
His wife Mariad Hehir, aged 38, flew to Ireland to be at his bedside.
She spoke lovingly of a family man who was devoted to his five children.
She said: “His kids were his life. I am just trying to cope with
it all and take it all in.”
Helena Gannon — landlady of the Sheepwalk Inn, Roden Street in Ilford
— met Vincent 10 years ago.
She said: “He absolutely adored the ground his children walked on.
I have had so many calls from people in tears. It is such a waste of life.”
Friends and family of Vincent travelled to Ireland for the funeral which
took place last Thursday and Friday.
A barmaid who used to work for Vincent said his friends had collected
money for a funeral wreath.
“He was a kind person and everyone liked him. Everyone is devastated,”
she said.
Tributes were also paid by members of Ilford Athletics Club.
A spokesman for Ilford AC added: “Vince also helped out on our London
Marathon water station at 19 miles a couple of years ago. He was one of
the good guys and our thoughts are with his wife Mariad and his family.”
Three men from Kildysart were arrested and questioned in relation to the
alleged assault but so far no-one has been charged.
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