'For so many people, he was the face and heart of McCartneys': Tributes pour in for Northern Ireland butcher remembered for award-winning corned beef and a lifetime of service
The much-loved businessman helped build McCartney’s of Moira into one of Northern Ireland’s best-known butchers, with his grandfather’s traditional corned beef recipe bringing national and international recognition
Tributes have been pouring in from across Moira, Co Down and much further afield following the death of much-loved businessman William George Eric McCartney.
Mr McCartney, of Maryvale Road, Moira, passed away peacefully in hospital on Friday, August 21, following a long career at the family business, McCartney’s of Moira.
His funeral service took place yesterday (Monday) at St John’s Parish Church, Upper Kilwarlin, followed by a private family interment.
For generations of families in Moira, George McCartney was far more than the man behind the counter of the village butcher’s shop.
He was a familiar face, a friendly voice and someone whose name became woven into the fabric of village life.
The family-run butcher’s shop on Main Street has been part of life in Moira for more than 150 years, with generations of the McCartney family building its reputation for quality meat, specialist products and innovation.
Under George McCartney’s stewardship, the business became one of Northern Ireland’s best-known butchers and attracted customers from across the country.
He was particularly renowned for reviving a traditional corned beef recipe from his grandfather’s old notebook. Made using lean silverside without added fat or gristle, the product went on to win the prestigious Great Taste Awards Supreme Champion title in 2011, beating thousands of entries.
Mr McCartney and his team followed up with further high-profile accolades, including another Supreme Champion title in 2012 and numerous awards for the business’s specialist products.
The business also became celebrated for its range of handmade sausages and other speciality products, helping put Moira on the map within the wider food and butchery industry.
Yet amid the awards and achievements, the hundreds of messages shared following his death show that George’s greatest legacy was perhaps the impression he left on people.
More than 300 messages have been posted following the family’s announcement, with customers, former employees, fellow traders and members of the local community remembering him as a “true gentleman”, “trailblazer” and “legend” of Moira.
Many recalled visiting McCartney’s as children with their parents, remembering the old shop and George’s friendly manner.
Others spoke of returning years later with their own children and finding that he still remembered them and their families.
Former employees remembered George as a supportive employer, while others described him as a friend and mentor who was always willing to offer advice and encouragement.
Several tributes highlighted his influence on the wider butchery trade, describing him as a man who was ahead of his time in retail, presentation and product development.
His interests also extended beyond the shop, with many remembering his involvement in poultry showing and the friendships he formed through the hobby.
Again and again, the same words appeared in the tributes: ‘gentleman’, ‘kind’, ‘warm’, ‘generous’ and ‘welcoming’.
The family announced his death in a statement shared through McCartney’s of Moira on Friday: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the heartbreaking news that our dad, George, has passed away.
“For so many people, he was the face and heart of McCartneys. We are incredibly proud to carry on his legacy. Dad was so much more than the business he built. He was a much loved husband, dad and granda.
“We would like to thank all of our wonderful customers, staff, friends and the local community for their kindness, support and understanding at this difficult time.”
They added: “Rest peacefully, Dad.”
The family has thanked customers, staff, friends and the wider local community for the extraordinary outpouring of kindness and support following George’s death.
Mr McCartney is survived by his wife Joan, daughters Judith, Susan and Sarah, sons-in-law Alan and John, grandchildren Jack, Freddie and Abbie, and his siblings.
Family flowers were requested, with donations, if desired, to NI Chest, Heart and Stroke.