Paddy dies in Offaly

Paddy Hanrahan died peacefully at his home in Lusmagh near Banagher last week. He was 79. In his younger years, he fronted both the Sahara and Oklahoma bands.

Born in Clondra beside the Shannon River in Co Longford, he was a renowned footballer and won six Longford senior titles with Clonguish, four as captain.

He was a gifted country singer and released a number of singles, enjoying success with The Dixie Cannonball.

Pat Rock, who has presented shows on Shannonside and Midlands Radio, says Paddy had a great love for country music. “He knew how to sing a country song with heart and feeling. The bands he fronted enjoyed a lot of popularity here in the midlands.

“Paddy spent most of his working life with Bord na Mona. He was held in great regard by colleagues. Declan Nerney gave a rendition of Paddy’s best known song, The Dixie Cannonball, at the funeral in Lusmagh.”

Following Requiem Mass in Lusmagh Church, interment took place in Kilmahunna Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Mary (nee Kelly) and son Aidan, his granddaughter Olivia and Aidan’s partner Margaret, sisters, extended family and friends.

Castleblayney Church concert

The Muckno Parish Building Fund will host a concert in St Mary’s Church, Castleblayney, on Thursday, 25 April, starting at 7.30pm. The show will celebrate the re-opening of St Mary’s after extensive renovation and restoration.

The co-ordinating committee is delighted to have secured the support of well known Castleblayney entertainers as well as some from the general region. The concert features John Glenn and The Mainliners, Paddy Cole, Marty Mone and The Outlaws.

Tickets are €25 and are on sale at the Parish Office, Declan Loughman Sports, McMahon’s Super Valu and Seán Hughes in Castleblayney and Rooney’s Shop in Oram. For further information call 042 9740027.

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