Irish country fans mourning death of Mayo singer Kevin Prendergast

Fans of Irish country music across the world are mourning the death of Mayo born singer Kevin Prendergast.

Kevin died peacefully at his home in Carramack, Tulrahan, Claremorris, yesterday.

Throughout a long career spanning more than 50 years, Kevin played for audiences worldwide but mostly in Britain, where he worked for a time, and in Ireland.

After emigrating in the 1960s he worked for a time on sites in Manchester where he combined construction work with nightly singing in Irish clubs and pubs.

Songs he wrote and co-wrote struck a nostalgic chord with Irish emigrants abroad.

To mention but a few they include ‘Blacksod Bay’, ‘My Old Home in Mayo’, ‘My Cottage by the Sea’ and ‘Where the River Shannon Flows’.

Among those on the Irish country music scene to pay tribute to him was Daniel O'Donnell, who shared on his Facebook page: “It is with sadness that I learned of the passing of Kevin Prendergast.

“Through the years Kevin and I were on many shows together. He was a true gentleman. My sympathy to his family at this sad time.”

Also amongst the many online tributes paid to Kevin is one from the Mayo Association in Manchester who have described him as a fine singer and 'a lovely caring man'.

‘John from Achill’ wrote: “Kevin’s songs brought so much joy and happiness to all."

Fellow musical performer Frankie Forde Waldron, Castlebar, wrote she had the pleasure of knowing Kevin for many years.

“He was one of nature’s gentleman and a highly respected artist at home and abroad.

"He has left a great legacy of songs, many about his love of home. May he join with the Choir of Angels and sleep in Heavenly Peace."

Kevin is predeceased by his parents, John and Ann, as well as his brothers, Sean, Brendan, Tom, Ray and Gerald.

He is survived by his sisters-in-law Marian and Eileen, as well as nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and a large circle of grieving friends.

Remains will repose at Donnellan’s Funeral Home, Clare Street, Ballyhaunis, on Thursday evening from 5 to 7 p.m.

Funeral will arrive in St. Mary’s Church, Logboy, on Friday for Funeral Mass at midday with burial afterwards in Tulrahan Cemetery.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.