Mr. Angus Cochrane

ARDGLASS came to a standstill last Friday, February 1, for the funeral of Mr. Angus Cochrane, the well known local businessman who died peacefully at his Cedar Grove home three days earlier.

Mr. Cochrane, who was 70, was synonymous with the fishing industry in Ardglass and beyond. He was a successful fish merchant, fish processor and trawler owner whose reputation for decency and courtesy was richly deserved.

Mr. Cochrane, who spent his entire life in Ardglass, commanded respect from all sections of the community. He loved the town and its harbour which meant so much to him. He was an integral member of the community and was always grateful for the support shown to him by local people as he built up his businesses.

He gave much back. As well as being leading figure in the fishing industry, he gave employment to local people and provided help to those less fortunate than himself.

He achieved what he did through sheer hard work and the unstinting support of his family, to which he was devoted. He had a strong Christian faith and was from an early age a faithful member of Ardglass Parish Church.

Born into an Ardglass family and educated at Down High School, Mr. Cochrane began his working career at Hugh W. Kelly’s in Downpatrick where he served his apprenticeship and also met his future wife, Margaret.

He began selling fish in his spare time and soon he became a full-time fish merchant. As his business prospered, he opened a supermarket at the harbour which brought people to Ardglass in their droves. He revelled in his work and enjoyed meeting people, many of whom became life-long friends.

Ardglass Parish Church was filled to overflowing for Friday’s funeral service, which was conducted by the Very Rev. Henry Hull, Dean of Down and church rector, and the Rev. Dr. Graham Savidge. Among the many mourners were members of the fishing industry in Ardglass, Kilkeel, Portavogie and further afield. Also present were Fr. Robert Fleck, parish priest of Dunsford and Ardglass, and Fr. John Fitzpatrick, a former curate in the parish.

In his address Dr. Savidge paid tribute to Mr. Cochrane and said his passing would leave an emptiness in the lives of many people.

The sympathy of the community is extended to Mr. Cochrane’s wife, Margaret, sons Gary and Eric, daughter Barbara, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother Jonathan, sister Gracella and the family circle.