MEMBERS of York's oldest working men's club were today mourning the news that it will cease trading on Monday.

The Irish National League Club (INL), in Speculation Street, has been sold to a "well-known local businessman" after going into receivership last year.

It is not yet known what will happen to the building, but landowner City of York Council has already had an initial offer made on the site.

Regulars are set to congregate at the premises over the Bank Holiday weekend for a poignant farewell.

The INL, which has about 200 members, was set up 112 years ago by the large number of migrant Irish workers who settled in the Walmgate area.

It has notched up a proud record of achievement in all kinds of sports, from rugby and football to snooker and darts.

"It's very sad and disappointing," said club steward Lol Davitt, who lives at the premises.

"I will be a free agent from Monday - I don't know what I'll do.

"It is a sign of the times. This is only one of many clubs that will almost certainly find themselves in the same position."

Club president Alan Baines, who has been a member for 20 years, said: "It's very sad but there's not a lot we can do about it.

"Not enough people used the club.

"All our teams will now have to be pulled out of the leagues."

Robert Burns, 66, who has been a club member for 47 years, said he was "gutted" at the news.

"Where are we going to go now?" he said. "I come in here every day for a drink."

Mr Burns' father settled in York from Dublin and was one of the INL's founder members.

Regular Geoff Clarkson added: "This is the shape of things to come - it's very sad."

A spokeswoman for City of York Council confirmed the club's lease had been sold and revealed an offer had already been made on the land.

"It has not gone any further," she said.

Updated: 09:09 Thursday, March 28, 2002