'He was a friend to everyone'

Funeral of Conor Maguire to take place later today.

“He was a friend to everyone, and a great friend of the sessiún. He danced, he sang, and he played, and he brought great pleasure and happiness to the people he met,” says local musician Martin Donohoe of the late Conor Maguire, who passed away peacefully at Cavan General Hospital, on September 8.

Bodhrán player, Mr Maguire, a familiar character on the streets of Cavan and once the Capital busking beside the Molly Malone sculpture, will be laid to rest on Tuesday afternoon, September 9, following Funeral Mass at St Dympna’s Church, Upper Lavey at 3pm.

Mr Maguire, of Denmore, Carrickaboy, and latterly Stradone, was predeceased by his parents Tommy and Margaret, brother John Joe and sister Peggy.

He is sadly missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and many friends.

“He had a wonderful, wonderful way with people. He was appreciative of all the youngsters and he enjoyed company. He loved music, it's an amazing thing. He'd travel and busk, to Dublin and Cavan. He was a regular in Navan. He'd put on his cassette machine. He'd call it his 'ding-a-ling' and he'd play away with his bodhrán. Great memories,” remembers Martin.

He described Mr Maguire as “a wonderful generous, friendly man who just loved music".

"I will miss him for the fact he brought happiness to so many people.”