Biography of Noel Cannon

     Noel was born to Paddy and Anne Cannon, and grew up on the family farm three miles outside of the small town of Castlebar in the county of Mayo, Ireland.  Along with his sisters Maureen, Concepta, and Breege, he helped raise the crops and tend the herd of dairy cattle.  He attended the local school and moved on to St. Jarlath's College, and returned to St. Gerald's College in Castlebar.

     In 1978, at the age of 18, and with the encouragement of his parents, Noel opened the famous Bungalow and Cellar bars on Main Street, Castlebar.  Many good years of experience were gained before that, working at the country's busiest hotel, The Travelers Friend.  He built up a fine business at the Bungalow Bar, where many a good football contest was won or lost even before the game had started.  It was the home of the Castlebar Celtic Football Club, and for many years prior to that the Castlebar Rugby Football Club.  Later the family purchased the Brown Cow Public House.  Noel has many great memories of hard work and dealing with great people.

     In 1982, Noel took his first trip to the United States.  He was so impressed with the opportunities and varied cultures that he decided to return to the land of opportunity on a permanent basis.  Noel worked at many fine establishments in New York.

     In 1999, he decided to open a place of his own.  On August 13^th, Paddy's Loft Pub and Restaurant, on Hicksville Road in Massapequa, opened its doors and has experienced tremendous success.  Noel credits this largely to his wonderful staff and the support of the local community.  In turn, he has returned this support back to the community by running an annual charity golf tournament.  The proceeds are donated to the local Catholic Church, Maria Regina, as well as to Project Children, which grants holidays for children from troubled areas in Northern Ireland.  He is also responsible for many other local fund-raisers and charity events, such as Victims of 9/11, Juvenile Diabetes, as well as being a sponsor for many local baseball, softball, and football clubs.  Noel is also a member of Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, as well as a past member of Vintners Federation of Ireland.

      Noel and his wonderful wife, Mary, who comes from Waterville, Co Kerry, Ireland, have three young sons: Sheamus, 9 years old, Brendan, 7 years old, and the newest addition to the family, Sean Noel, born in June 2005.  Noel has instilled in his children a love and pride of their Irish heritage.  Mary is a fluent Irish language speaker.  They live in Amityville, Long Island, NY.