JOSEPH PATRICK CHRISTOPHER O'DONNELL

1940 - 2010

But for a brief break between pubs, the O'Donnell family have been publicans in Lyme Regis since 1973 - so hospitality is in the blood.

Our founding Father, the late Joe O'Donnell, was the landlord of the Ship Inn for over 20 years before taking the reigns of The Volunteer in 1995. Sadly Dad passed away in 2010 and this website isn't big enough to even begin to tell you anything about him but ask anyone in the town and they will tell you that Dad was an extremely kind and warm-hearted soul with more than an Irish twinkle in his eye.

Daughter Becky is now in charge and you may also find his grandchildren behind the bar. Dad's hospitality and sense of fun was legendary and whilst he is completely irreplacable we are doing our best to keep his spirit alive and, most importantly, keep the spirits flowing. 

If you would like to know a little bit more, or perhaps reminisce, Dad's life was beautifully summed-up by local newspaper editor Pip Evans who kindly provided the eulogy at his funeral. He will never be forgotten.

Click here to read the eulogy.