Paul Bradley funeral: Heartbroken son of Belfast businessman in tearful tribute to the Lurgan native who 'could make anyone's day with a simple chat'

Paul Bradley, former owner of the Victoria Junction in Lurgan, Co Armagh, who died tragically after a swim at Newcastle, Co Down on Wednesday.

Paul Bradley was a fun man, an iconic character, a talented businessman but ultimately a family man who never failed to make friends.

It is a testimony to him and his family the massive outpouring of grief following his untimely death in a swimming tragedy in Newcastle, Co Down last week.

Pure shock and genuine sadness followed news of his death, despite the attempts of the emergency services to revive him after a swim.

His family has set up a special GoFundMe page to raise money for the RNLI and already it has raised more than £1,180

His kindness knew no bounds and always known as a happy lad full of fun and loved the music and craic.

From Lurgan, and many would have known his parents in Edward Street and Paul working in McMullan’s bar, he took up running Victoria Junction and made a huge success of it. In his latter years, with his family, he moved to Belfast and created more businesses including Cafe Fish on the Lisburn Road which consistently received top class reviews from the best ‘professional’ critics.

With a crumbling voice full of grief, his brave son Matthew paid tribute to his father at his funeral on Sunday at St Peter’s Church in Lurgan.

He said: "My Dad. I feel so lucky to have been able to call him that. It was truly remarkable to witness the fact that he had so many people up and down the road. It was also truly remarkable to watch his unique ability to connect with everyone. He’ll never changed who he was. There was only one Paul. What you seen is what you got.

"Standing here today, I can see now than ever what he meant to so many people in Lurgan, Newry, the London, Belfast, Warrenpoint, Newcastle and a few places in between. He made an impact wherever he went. No air or graces about him. He could make anyone’s day just by a simple chat. My mum Gabrielle was his world. Paul and Gabby were an inseparable team. Everything he did was for her and her for him.

"Us four children, Siobhan, Matthew, Jacob and Peader knew how much love we had for us. Always pushing us and there to listen – though his answers, he pulled no punches and the answer might not have been the one you wanted but probably the one you needed.

"He loved his life and lived it to the full. 24 hours a day was never enough for him. When he was up, he had a plan of action with a list to work with and also a list for all of us, Definitely no slacking around him. He had to strive, always wanted to be busy, never wasting a minute.

"He had so many interests and met so many characters, wonderful people from all walks of life. It didn’t take you long to get to know my Dad. He had no walls. You could hear him for an hour, a day, a week or a lifetime – you were always getting his life story.

"I wish I had more time to spend with him but this was his time to go. He certainly left an impression on everyone around him.

“The last few days have been the most difficult for our family and friends. Everyone has found solace that so many people had happy memories with him and he was held in such high esteem. We will always remember, for one last time, our Da.”

St Peter’s Church erupted in applause in a final tribute to Paul Bradley.

Paul Bradley (Belfast), formerly of Blair Drive, Lurgan) died on October 18, 2023, as a result of a swimming accident. He is the beloved husband of Gabrielle and loving father of Siobhan, Matthew, Jacob, and Peadar, as well as a cherished grandfather of Winter, and a dear brother of Caroline, Linda, Joan, and Claire and the late Maureen and John.