Tributes paid to Joe Mulheron, folk singer and founder of Sandino's bar in Derry

Tributes are continuing to pour in from friends and fans – as well as fellow musicians and activists – following news of the passing of Joe Mulheron earlier this week, aged 76.

Mulheron was well-known as the founder of Sandino's bar in Derry, a popular spot for live music in the city. He also penned numerous songs over the course of his life, and was a member of the Belfast-based folk group The Men Of No Property – whose various releases are now part of the prestigious Smithsonian Folkways Recordings collection.

Dublin group Lankum are among those who have paid tribute to Joe this week, stating that they are "all heartbroken to hear" of his passing.

"Joe was an absolute legend of a man and there's so many great things we could say about him," they continued. "His company and singing will be sorely missed, but the many songs he wrote will live on. Rest in power."

Paul Connolly of Derry band The Wood Burning Savages described Joe as an "ardent music lover, tirelessly community minded and always with a focus on welcoming everyone through the door and making them feel like they were at home."

He also noted that Sandino's "is a special one where all are made to feel welcome."

"He'd DJ downstairs on Monday/Tuesday nights and you'd always leave with new songs to revisit," Paul added. "Always eager to give the room upstairs for folks putting on their own gigs of all genres. A giant of kindness."

The leader of the SDLP, Colum Eastwood, stated that he was "very sorry" to hear the sad news.

"Joe will be sorely missed but remembered fondly," he wrote on Twitter. "Thinking of Joe's family and all who knew him at this difficult time."

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Sandra Duffy, also paid tribute.

It was with great sadness that I heard about the death of well known musician, publican, civil rights activist & local legend Joe Mulheron. Sincere condolences to his family & friends at this very sad time. A great character who will sorely missed - rest easy Joe ❤️ https://t.co/tqQVUf4ioz pic.twitter.com/2H8t4hNvD3

— Mayor Derry Strabane (@mayordcsdc) May 10, 2023

Listen to Joe Mulheron performing his song 'Free State Adjudicator' in 1999 below:

See more tributes to Joe below:

RIP Joe Mulheron.

Original member of the iconic 'Men of No Property' rebel band and author of many songs of resistance. Joe also founded Sandinos - one of the best bars in Derry, where we have spent many a great night. pic.twitter.com/2zl9m8wCCM

— Gary Óg (@garyogmusic) May 10, 2023

We are heartbroken at the loss of our friend & comrade Joe Mulheron. His generosity, kindness and warmth are rightly legendary and he was so very good to us. A mighty voice, in every sense of the phrase, his songs, his politics and his humour resound through this city and beyond. pic.twitter.com/IsTyb7YyFy

— Bloody Sunday Derry (@BloodySunday50) May 11, 2023

#Derry has lost another giant hero #JoeMulheron - folk singer/songwriter, Civil Rights Activist, Socialist, friend, family man & champion of the arts, freedom of thought & politics. My thoughts with his family, friends, comrades & the @sandinosbar clann 💚 pic.twitter.com/M6zFy3IsUw

— Little Acorns Bookstore (@LittleAcornsBks) May 10, 2023

Joe Mulhern, the Man of No Property, the founder of Sandino's in Derry – the best socialist bar in the world – has passed away. No pasaran, vive Sandino, vive Joe.

— Darach MacDonald (@DarachMac) May 9, 2023

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Joe Mulheron, former singer with "men of no property" & owner of Sandinos Bar in Derry. Condolences to his friends and family.
" When Ireland is set free by young men both brave & daring & Belfast will hold at last a Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann" pic.twitter.com/MJe3shplJQ

— Jason Lambert (@jasonlambertSF) May 10, 2023

We would like to offer condolences from Bloody Sunday Trust and Bloody Sunday families to the family and friends of Joe Mulheron. Joe was a long time supporter of the campaign for Truth and Justice. Also he supported the commemoration events.@MaeveMcLaughli1 @tonydutchdoc pic.twitter.com/8vgLh0IsD8

— Bloody Sunday Trust (@BloodySundayT) May 10, 2023

Very sorry to hear that the great Joe Mulheron @sandinosbar has passed away. I loved his company and his songs and I had the pleasure of sitting with him at singing sessions, fleadhs, house parties and concerts for over 40 years. Suaimhneas síoraí ort Joe. https://t.co/V9t83iIc31 pic.twitter.com/UAKLIYwNwJ

— Dónal O'Connor (@doconnormusic) May 10, 2023