For music’ TEARS AND SMILES AS TOP PIPER PADDY MOLONEY IS LAID TO REST
taken away from him, Paddy’s life faded last March.”
A set of uileann pipes and a whistle were brought to the altar in memory of the man Stones frontman Mick Jagger called “the greatest Uilleann piper on the planet”.
Adored
Aonghus added: “When he took a break [from the road] he’d find himself at home at the dinner table, or the Monkey’s Tea Party as he called it, where he couldn’t get a word in edgeways.
“Anyattempttotellusthathejust met the Pope or played with superstars around the world was drowned out.
“We were definitely his toughest audience.
“In latter years, Paddy’s focus switched to his four grandchildren, who he absolutely adored. “TherealPaddycouldbefound crawling around the floor, playing with toys, always teasing or hiding a dodo.
“Or lately, maybe a quick impromptu session after dinner, the accordion would come out.”
Michael Tubridy (86), another founding member of The Chieftains, recalled after Paddy’s burial how the pair became friends through music in Dublin in the 1950s.
He said: “I remember in 1958 there was a fleadh and when the fleadh was over we spent the week cycling around Clare, I’ve great memories of that, before Ceoltoiri Chualann or The Chieftains.
“Paddy was three years younger than me so he’d be a late teenager at the time. It’s very sad.”
The Chieftains have toured internationally, released more than 40 albums and collaborated with the some of the most popular musicians in the world including Van Morrison.
Love
Acclaimed flute player Micheal O hAlmhain said: “Paddy was personally responsible for the worldwide recognition and love of Irish music.
“It’s the most popular folk music in the world because of Paddy Moloney and The Chieftains.”
Last night’s Late Late Show paid tribute to The Chieftains legend.