Memorial erected to talented Rathconrath musician

Musicians, family, friends and neighbours were among those who attended a special unveiling ceremony held at Rathconrath recently.

The unveiling was of a plaque erected to honour the memory of a local man, Brendan Gavigan, who, sadly, died in a tragic accident on July 19, 2001.

Brendan, who was a member of a family known for its musical talent, was a larger than life character with a wit to bring a smile to young or old.

In 1960, Brendan emigrated to Manchester, where he spent many years working on the buildings by day and playing the accordion in pubs and clubs at night.

After an accident which damaged his hand, Brendan returned to his native Rathconrath.

Although his injury meant he found it hard to play music, he would join in local sessions with his brother, the well known Frank Gavigan, playing the bodhrán.

Brendan had a unique style of playing the bodhrán, using what’s termed a triple stroke.

Mick Foster, who unveiled the plaque, told those present he knew Brendan as a gifted musician with a style of his own.

During the speeches, those present heard that Brendan liked to visit his great friends Peter and Ber Ballesty, where he would meet the late Mick (‘The Judge’) Christie to study form for the day ahead, tell yarns and discuss all the happenings from the day before.

The decision to erect the plaque near the spot where Brendan died was made by the Frank Gavigan branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and following the ceremony, a fine session of traditional Irish music took place in Gunning’s, Rathconrath. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

The Comhaltas branch extends special thanks to Cllr Johnnie Penrose, landowner Fergal Gunning, Gibney’s Monumental works and Michael Connell stonework.