RIP: 'Always true to his word' - much-loved Kilkenny-based singer passes away
From this week's Castlecomer Notes in the Kilkenny People newspaper
Castlecomer Male Voice Choir has lost one of its most loyal and staunch members with the death of Paddy Joe Ryan.
In his 88th year he was a friend and an advocate to many and a man always true to his word. One of nature’s gentlemen Paddy Joe together with colleagues from Ballylinan and surrounding areas joined the choir over 25 years ago.
He sang in the Bass section of the choir and was a great mentor to new choir members, in particular the novice aspiring bass singers. He was an excellent singer with a deep voice to suit the parts he performed. His rendition of 'Cavan Girl' and 'Donegal Danny' was a favourite by the audience at the many “sing songs” he attended over the years.
How he loved those impromptu get-togethers. A keen photographer he always brought his camera to social events and concerts. He was an integral member of the choir and never missed a Christmas morning at the Workhouse Graveyard.
Joe was laid to rest in St. Michael's New Cemetery, Athy after Requiem Mass celebrated in St. Michael's Parish Church, Athy by a friend of the family, Very Rev. Fr Dan Dunne, P.P. Ballyadams, County Laois.