Mayo musician to perform at funeral of late Poet Paul Durcan

Renowned Mayo musician Eamonn Walsh will perform on the Uilleann Pipes at the funeral of celebrated poet Paul Durcan in Dublin this Thursday, May 22.

Durcan, with roots on Achill Island and a beloved figure in Irish literary circles, passed away on May 17 at the age of 80.

A Requiem Mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, Ringsend, Dublin at 12 noon, followed by Funeral Prayers the next day, Friday, May 23, at 11a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, South Mall, Westport. He will be laid to rest in Aughavale Cemetery.

Walsh, well known across Mayo and beyond for his traditional music, has previously played at the funerals of Gay Byrne, Christy Dignam (Aslan), and most recently, Kathleen Watkins.

He fondly recalls Durcan’s visit to Ballina in 2000, when the poet gave a reading during a Cross-Border Music, Sports and Arts Peace Festival hosted by the Moy Valley branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

Durcan is mourned by his partner Nessa, his children Sarah, Síabhra, and Michael, extended family, and many friends and admirers across Ireland.