Passing of midlands music legend

The death has occurred of Daniel Sheerin, one of the leading lights in the local music scene in the midlands. Dan Sheerin, of The Pigeons, Tang, died peacefully at the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar, surrounded by his loving family.

Dan was the guiding force in the Sheerin Family Band, who took to the road over 50 years ago, and who have been going ever since, albeit with line-up changes.

A hugely prominent figure in the music world, his passing has been greeted with deep sadness across the midlands. He was born in Ballydrown, Castledaly, one of 10 children, to the late Joe and Theresa Sheerin.

With his late wife, Mary, and a number of children, Dan formed The Sheerin Family Band in 1973. The band played at supper dances, weddings and all manner of social functions across the midlands. Dan and Mary retired from the band in 2005.

Dan retained an involvement in music and in 2024, at the age of 83, he launched an album, on which 10of the 11 songs were self-penned, except for a duet he sang with daughter-in-law, country star Cliona Hagan, who is married to the youngest member of the family, Simon.

Dan was predeceased by his wife Mary (née Slevin), his parents Joe and Teresa, sister Bridie Hamm and brothers Joe and Pat. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family, his 11 children Paul, Des, Janette, Ann, Danny, Noeleen, Kieran, Marian, Tom, Carmel and Simon, his 29 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers, sisters, extended family, neighbours and many friends.

Dan's funeral Mass was on Sunday August 2 in St Mary’s Church, Tang, and burial was in Temple-a-Valley Cemetery, Tang.