Irish sax player and singer Mr Paddy Cole passed away this afternoon, aged in his 86th year. He had recently celebrated his 85th birthday, on December17th last. The musician and singer was just 12-years-old when he first played took to the stage at a venue in his home town of Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.
Mr Cole joined the Capitol showband in the early 1960’s and widely toured the country with them. He would later be recruited by the Big Eight Showband, latter a group of Irish musicians who went to play in Las Vegas, before returning home to Ireland, in later years.
Mr Cole co-owned a pub and restaurant in Castleblayney town with his wife Helen, and in more recent years resided in Co. Dublin.
In a statement, his son Pat said: “The music world mourns the loss of the legendary Paddy Cole, a beloved entertainer who brought joy to thousands with his vibrant personality and infectious music. From the Capitol Showband to his own Superstars, Paddy Cole’s saxophone, clarinet, and vocals filled dance halls and concert stages with his signature blend of jazz, Dixieland, and showband sounds. His music transcended generations, creating memories that will forever be cherished. On behalf of his family, we express our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. Paddy’s legacy will live on through the music he created and the joy he shared with the world”.
Mr Cole is survived by his wife Helen and three children, Pat, Pearse and Karen.
“You the public are invited to a lovely, creative and colourful exhibition by Ukrainian artist Karyna Vechorkina, same which takes place this afternoon, January 18th, 2025, from 2:00pm until 5:00pm. Hope to see you all there.” Signed: Maura Barrett.
You canlocate the Cashel Library building, situated on Friar Street, Lady’s Well, Cashel, Co. Tipperary, HERE. (G487+RX).
Lyrics: Singer/song-writer from Grimsby, east coast of United Kingdom, John Conolly. Vocals: Folk singers and traditional Celtic musicians ‘The New Barleycorn’, (John Delaney and Alec DeGabriele).
Fiddler’s Green.
As I walked by the dockside one evening so fair, To view the salt water and take the sea air, I heard an old fisherman singing his song, Sing take me away boys, me time is not long.
Chorus: Wrap me up in me oilskins and jumpers, No more on round docks I’ll be seen, Just tell me old shipmates I’m taking a trip mates, And I’ll see you someday in Fiddler’s Green,*
Now Fiddler’s Green is a place I’ve heard tell, Where fishermen go if they don’t go to hell, Where the skies are all clear and the dolphins do play, And the cold coast of Greenland is far, far away.
Repeat Chorus: When you land on the docks and the long trip is through, There’s pubs and there’s clubs and there’s lassies there too, Where the girls are all pretty and the beer it is free, And there’s bottles of rum hanging from every tree.
Repeat Chorus: Now I don’t want a harp nor a halo, not me, Just give me a breeze and a dark rolling sea, And I’ll play me old squeeze-box, as we sail along, With the wind in the riggin’ to sing me a song.
Chorus: Wrap me up in me oilskins and jumpers No more round the docks I’ll be seen Just tell me old shipmates I’m taking a trip mates And I’ll see you someday in Fiddler’s Green Just tell me old shipmates I’m taking a trip mates And I’ll see you someday in Fiddler’s Green.
END
* Note:Legend has it that Fiddler’s Green refers to the afterlife.
Not all the gifts in bright lit windows, In all the Christmas shops in town, Shall I now choose, But prefer to sit in silence and reflect, On the joy you are to me . There is no present you can buy, Though you parcel up creation, That will bring more sparkle to my eye Than the love I have for you. I sing sweet carols under the stars And hymns by the Milky Way, And I am happy wandering, In dreams, to gently touch Your hand, your face, your eyes,your soul. And, contemplating bliss, a kiss, There is no happy Christmas if there is not this.
END.
Tom Ryan,”Iona”, Rahealty, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.
Recent Comments