Music world mourns Philip
TRIBUTES POUR IN FROM AROUND THE WORLD FOR A ‘FANTASTIC PERSON’
A SHOCKED local music world has united in grief following the death of Philip Dowling (right) in Chicago.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with the costs of his repatriation from the United States. By Monday of this week, it had surpassed €15,000.
On the page, his family thanked everyone who has supported them over some very difficult days.
‘A soft, sweet & sensitive guy whose life touched so many and his loss has devasted so much more,’ one person wrote.
‘So, so, sad to hear about Phil, his musical spirit and voice will live on forever... such a fantastic person and a wonderful musician, the sadness being felt by all who knew him will be massive, gentleman and guitar wizard,’ another stated.
A SHOCKED local music world has united in grief following the death of Philip Dowling in Chicago.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help with the costs of his repatriation from the United States. By Monday of this week, it had surpassed €15,000.
On the page, his family thanked everyone who has supported them over some very difficult days.
Well known and respected on the scene in the region, and who famously had The Wolfe Tones, The High Kings & The Fureys open up for him at Earth niteclub, Phil was a truly gifted singer and musician.
Tributes poured in from all over the world for the Monasterboice man, some recalling his days in St Oliver’s and his rendition of ‘Rattlin’ Bog’ which echoed around the hallways.
‘A soft, sweet & sensitive guy whose life touched so many and his loss has devasted so much more,’ one person wrote. ‘So, so sad to hear about Phil, his musical spirit and voice will live on forever....such a fantastic person and a wonderful musician, the sadness being felt by all who knew him will be massive, gentleman and guitar wizard, who loved music, people and craic,’ another stated.
Part of the Highlife with Daithi McGahon, Philip was respected across the spectrum of music, Niall Callan and the Xperience remarking, ‘words cannot express how utterly devastated and heartbroken we are with the passing of a true talent and dear friend in Philip Dowling. He was a great songwriter and performer, it was a pleasure to share the stage with you. Our thoughts go out to family and friends. RIP you will be sadly missed.’
Philip was a real star of the recent Fleadh Cheoil, playing in a number of locations, and was always a very popular face.
Philip will be reposing at his home on Old Road from 3-8pm on Wednesday and Thursday evening. Funeral service at Drogheda Presbyterian Church, Colpe East, Drogheda, at noon on Friday.. Burial afterwards in Monasterboice.