Luke Kelly
…in Tribute - The Irish Press
Friday, February 3, 1984
Songs, laments and tears for a Dubliner
By GERRY MORIARTY
RONNIE DREW had a tremble in his voice, Phil Coulter wept, and all the others who knew and loved him were sad when they came to lay to rest the husky o voiced, banjo — playing Dubliner, Luke Kelly.
Whitehall Parish la Dublin's northside was full to overflowing yesterday for the funeral Miss, with mourners keenly aware that a musician who could bring great joy had passed their way.
Later, In Glasnevin Cemetery, a large throng gathered around the graveside to pay their final tribute to the man who had brought them so much entertainment during the past 21 years.
His wife, brothers and sisters, celebrities, politicians and musicians were there, as well as the ordinary fans, who down the years had supported the Dubliners and the banjo-plucker who could rattle out uplifting ballads or tug at the heartstrings with songs such as "Scorn Not His Simplicity".
As befitted a marvellous musician, it was a moving and musical ceremony in the church. Barney McKenna introduced the celebrants to the altar with a plaintive rendition of Róisín Dubh. Finbar Furey played a lament on the pipes.
LUKE KELLY FUNERAL
FRIEND'S GRIEF…Songwriter Phil Coulter weeps during the funeral Mass for Luke Kelly yesterday in Whitehall, Dublin. Centre, Luke's brother, Patrick and Barney McKenna of the Dubliners carry the coffin from the church; and right, the Fianna Fail leader Mr. Haughey with Ronnie Drew.
The Dubliners themselves, up beside the altar, played two of the tunes most associated with Luke. Raglan Road and The Town I Loved So Well. As the last named song was played, Phil Coulter, its writer, and a close friend of Luke's, broke down and wept, burying his face in his hands.
Then, perhaps, the finest musical tribute of all-a beautiful playing of "The Prodigal Son", the tune recently written by Dubliner John Sheehan, its hopeful melody so obviously dedicated to Luke.
Mass ended with a brass band, conducted by Earl Gill, playing another tune associated with Luke and also with Brendan Behan, The Auld Triangle.
As the music played and the prayers were read, the memories came rolling back of the joy and the crack Luke brought through his music.
In the early days, we listened to him and Ronnie and Ciaran and the boys in places like Donoghues or the Embankment Inn in Tallaght
Later when the band's fame, aided by a little notoriety, increased, we marvelled at how the Dubliners could win the hearts of audiences in the prestigious Albert Hall in London and other great venues in Europe and North America.
Also present with the Dubliners at the altar side were Jim McCann, a former member, Eamonn Campbell, now almost part of the group, Finbar Furey, and Phil Coulter.
Ciaran Bourke, who was there at the start, was in the church too.
Also there were Luke's brothers. Paddy, Jimmy and John, sisters Iona and Bessie, and wife Deirdre.
The Fianna Fail leader, Mr. Haughey, was present to pay his respects, with Frank Cluskey, Albert Reynolds, Tomas MacGlolla and others hi the large congregation.
The chief celebrant, FT. Michael Cleary, described Luke as a man with a big heart who hated sham but loved people. The priest spoke about his sense of humour, his commitment to music and his real, genuine charity.
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