Singer succumbs to Covid-19
A POPULAR Irish country musician from Runcorn has died after contracting coronavirus.
Fran O’Dwyer, 63, died last Thursday sparking a plea from his grieving family for others to stay at home to prevent similar tragedy.
The beloved musician’s brother Conn O’Dwyer told the Weekly News the Irish country musician and singer had no underlying illness and passed away at home after struggling to beat the disease.
Fran, also known as Frank, was well-known as a musician, singer and entertainer on the live scene in Runcorn and beyond.
Originally from Downpatrick in Northern Ireland, he later headlined the bill and supported other acts to entertain audiences around England
and Scotland.
The singer-songwriter also penned lyrics for other Irish country music stars including Brendan Shine.
Highlights from his 25-year music career included support The Wolfe Tones, Joe Dolan and The Fureys.
His song The Clock On The Wall has also become an Irish music standard, and is available to listen to online.
As well as the Irish country genre, Fran also played pop and general country.
Tributes have flooded in online, remembering Fran as a ‘genuine nice guy’, and a popular fixture of live music nights in Runcorn including at The Navigation Inn on Canal Street.
Other musicians spoke of his kindness and the help he gave when they were starting out, not only advice but also by giving them equipment to kick off their own careers. Fran is survived by his partner of 40 years Alison, two sons Christopher and Mathew, daughter Mary and grandson Tommy, who he ‘doted on’.
Conn said his family said that “he touched the hearts of many and will be sadly missed by all”.
He said the whole family had been left heartbroken by their loss, but they were unable to comfort each other in their moment of grief due to the pandemic lockdown and social distancing.
Conn said they were “begging people to stay at home” and “stay safe in his memory”.
Writing on social media, he described Fran as a partner, father, son, brother, cousin, nephew, uncle and friend, as well as singer, songwriter and entertainer.