FAREWELL TO CHRISTY, A GREAT MAN OF MUSIC
TRIBUTES have been paid to Christy Smith, the Lourdes and Drogheda Brass band stalwarth who tragically lost his life in a car accident last Wednesday.
Christy, from Brookville Park, lost his life following a single vehicle fatal collision at the Rosehall roundabout on the North Road which happened on 7.30pm on March 8th.
The 74-year-old was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Paying tribute to Christy, who has been a lifelong member of various brass bands in the area, a spokesperson for the Lourdes Brass Band said: ‘Rarely does the word legend sit comfortably on the shoulders of one man, but that is the most apt description for our friend and bandsman Mr Christy Smith.
‘We lost a true gentleman of the brass band world, and a bandsman true and true to his very core. Christy had an absolute encyclopaedic wealth of knowledge in the world of brass bands and had over 60 years’ experience which he would gladly and wilfully share.’
Christy was a past conductor and member of the Lourdes and Drogheda Brass Bands, and was currently playing with Dundalk Brass Band.
He was instrumental in setting up the Gormanston Summer School of Music and the spokesperson revealed: ‘ The number of musicians who owe their beginnings in music to him must be staggering.
‘A fantastic supporter of the brass Band movement Christy with his wife Maisie were ever present at band events from Armagh, the UK, the Nationals , local concerts, to their annual pilgrimage to Clonakilty as LBB supporters (and player).’
described as ‘young at heart’, Christy was popular with all ages in the band and the spokesperson said he will be ‘sadly and fondly missed by all, as a friend and bandsman’.
Members of Ardee Concert Band have also extended their condolences to Christy’s family and his many friends.
‘From everyone here at Ardee Concert Band we send our condolences to the Smith family and to Christy’s many friends in the Lourdes BrassBand and all across the country as he was loved so much for his wisdom, knowledge and having a story or two about banding.
‘A sad day for all bands people in the Ne Region and across the country as Christy touched many a heart! May he rest in Peace.’
Thers who knew Christy have paid tribute to him on social media and expressed their shock at his sudden and tragic passing.
‘From a very young age I can always remembers seeing him a band competitions. When I was older and conducting I again remember meeting him regularly and chatting with him at competitions.
‘He was a gentleman who gave so much to the brass band movement in Ireland. I know he is responsible for instilling a love of music making in many many people through his example teaching and encouragement over his lifetime. May he rest in peace,’ said one.
Another added: ‘Great loss to Drogheda as much as to the band world, always a smile and a witty comment, indeed a gentleman, RIP Christy
‘In the short time I was allowed to get to know him, I found a rare character, a real gentleman and a staunch friend and helper in need. He will always be part of my memories, as he in part helped shape me into the musician and person I am today. May he be happy as Principal Cornet of the Our Lady of Lourdes Brass Band in Heaven!’
Christy is survived by his wife Maisie, sons Ian, Allan, Ken, Derek and Chris, daughters in law Corinne, Annette, Edel, Sarah and Patricia, grandchildren Béibhinn, Alanna, Colm, Kelly, Rory, Éabha, Niamh, Isobella, Róise, Madison, Cainneach, Emmett and Christian, brother Tom, sister Nuala, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Funeral Mass took place on Saturday in Our Lady of Lourdes Church with burial afterwards in Calvary Cemetery.