A leading figure in Belfast’s hospitality industry has been remembered as a woman who “instilled great passion into anything”.
Sinead Cashman, a former bar manager at the Deers’s Head and Northern Lights, died on February 22 following a short illness.
Tributes have remembered her as “champion for craft beer and whiskey in the city” and a “beloved friend”.
The mother-of-one ran the craft beer bar, Northern Lights on the Ormeau Road, for more than four years.
In a post on social media, it wrote: “All of us are devastated and heartbroken with the passing of Sinead.
“We are all lost for words with the news.
“A woman who instilled great passion into anything she was doing with it radiating onto others, our thoughts go out to Tia, family and friends at this time.
“To our beloved friend Sinead, rest in peace.”
All of us are devastated and heartbroken with the passing of Sinead. We are all lost for words with the news. A woman...
Posted by Northern Lights Belfast on Friday, 23 February 2024
She also previously worked as a general manager at the Deer’s Head in Belfast city centre.
It said in a post on Facebook: “Devastated at the news of the passing of our former GM Sinead Cashman.
“She was a force to be reckoned with and a champion for craft beer and whiskey in the city. In the short time she was with us she certainly left her make.”
Most recently, Ms Cashman is understood to have worked at Eight South restaurant in Carryduff.
“The management and team at Eight South are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic and sudden loss of our team member, Sinead Cashman,” it said.
“Sinead was an incredible lady, valued team member and friend to many of us.
“Our heartfelt condolences are with Sinead’s daughter, Tia, and all of Sinead’s family and friends.
“As a mark of respect, Eight South will pause service and be closed on Wednesday, 28th February until 4pm.”
She was honoured in 2022 with an award by the Campaign for Real Ale Northern Ireland (CAMRA NI) for her passion and work in the industry.
CAMRA NI said it was “saddened to hear of Sinéad’s death”.
“As a publican she was an outsized proponent of great local beer, but more importantly she was a good friend,” a post on social media said.
“She will be missed.”
Ms Cashman also gave her time and expertise to St George’s Market.
A tribute from a former colleague at the Belfast venue said Ms Cashman would be remembered her as “a true powerhouse of the hospitality industry”.
“An advocate of local produce, food and drink,” he said.
“She left her mark on St Georges Market in so many ways.
“She had a passion for people, customer service and was an inspiration to us all in the trade.”
Requiem Mass for Ms Cashman will be held on Wednesday at the Good Shepherd Church, Belfast at 11am followed by burial in Roselawn Cemetery.
She is survived by her daughter Tia, parents Paddy and Susan, siblings Bronagh, Patrick and Barry and family circle.
