The iconic Orange pub, which has operated at the corner of Lords Place and Moulder Street under three generations of Kellys for the last 96 years, closed its doors for the final time on the weekend.

On hand was a crowd in the hundreds, lapping up the last drinks and last moments in the pub many of them had patronised for decades.

Among the crowd were members of Orange CYMS rugby league and cricket clubs – which have called Kelly’s home for more than 70 years – as well as past and present Orange mayors and councillors, staff, families, and an assortment of well wishers.

Sunday’s session followed a massive Friday night at the venue, when an even bigger crowd had assembled for a farewell function.

Speaking to the Central Western Daily on Sunday evening, Mark Kelly – on behalf of his siblings Bill Kelly, Melissa Englert and Sue Webster – thanked those who had made their way to the pub – on Sunday, and over the many, many years before.

“I just like to thank everyone in the community, especially the sporting bodies we’ve supported,” he said.

“A lot of people who have always supported us. We can’t thank you enough.”

He said while he was disappointed the building would cease to operate as a hotel from Monday, he harboured hopes that might change down the track.

“Let’s just hope that perhaps something might change,” Mr Kelly said.

“It would be fantastic if there was a hotel site here in the future.”

Mark’s brother Bill, working feverishly behind the bar with his sisters, restaurant manager Brent Riach and longtime barman Paul Dwyer, added the period leading into Sunday had been a draining one.

VIDEO: Take a look around the pub on Sunday evening …

Who was at the pub and what they said.

In more ways than one.

“The last week has been quite emotional, and quite demanding really, work-wise, so I’m just glad to have this weekend over,” he said.

“The crowd tonight is much bigger than I thought it would be.”

“We’ve had a big week, lots of people coming in and wishing us the best. And again tonight I’m totally blown away by the size of the crowd.”

At one time of another, Mr Riach, fellow long-term staff member Trish Harvey, and Orange CYMS rugby league club committee member Matt King grabbed the bar-side microphone to express their gratitude to the Kelly family.

Mayor Reg Kidd, along with his predecessor John Davis, were among those gathered for a final drink at the watering hole.

He described the pub – and the family behind it for the better part of a century – as an “Orange institution”.

“All through that time they’ve just been an important part of the community, and just not with the pub … but it’s what they’ve put into the community,” he said, citing Bill’s service on Orange City Council and as head of the Orange Liquor Accord.

“They’re a marvellous family, they’re champions of Orange,” he said.

Principal of Catherine McAuley Catholic Primary School Michael Croke took a quick break from his beer to laud the pub’s connection with the city’s proud sporting history.

“It has such a strong connection to sport, rugby league, cricket, and it’s a very sad day,” he said.

“I was at Parramatta when Cumberland Stadium burnt down, and I’m saying it’s a similar experience.”

Former CYMS cricketer Josh Dunn said the club’s spiritual home had “provided me with a lot of good memories”.

“It’s not about the building, it’s all about the people,” he said.

“They’re the most wonderful, tight-knit family. They’re an institution.”

Gerard Hannelly, president of the cricket club, said no other sporting club in country NSW had enjoyed the length and breadth of support shown to the green and golds.

“74 years of uninterrupted support from this family and their staff – what more can you say?” he said.

“You can do nothing but appreciate that and give due respect to a family that’s stood by us for that length of time.

“It’s been three generations of their family, it’s five or six of our cricketers’.”

When Bill rang the bell to signal last drinks (which came earlier than expected, as the bigger-than-anticipated crowd steadily emptied the beer kegs) he uttered a phrase synonymous with his father.

“You’re all barred for life.”