Another year: friends plant a tree on Shay Healy’s first anniversary
THE life and talents of legendary songwriter Shay Healy were celebrated yesterday on the first anniversary of his death, with the planting of a rowan tree and the laying of a plaque near his Dublin home.
Family and friends gathered to remember the late broadcaster, songwriter and journalist, right, who died last year aged 78 after a battle with Parkinson’s.
The ceremony took place in Sandymount Green – a space enjoyed by Mr Healy during his lifetime. He grew up in the south Dublin village and lived there most of his life.
Riverdance producer John McColgan, a close friend of Mr Healy’s for more than 50 years, told the Irish Mail on Sunday: ‘It’s the heart of Sandymount, the heart of Shay. So it was appropriate to plant a tree that will hopefully go on forever’.
Around 100 people were present for a ‘lovely ceremony’ that ended with Johnny Logan performing What’s Another Year – the 1980 Eurovision-winning song written by Mr Healy.
The plaque laid by the rowan tree read, ‘In tribute to son of Sandymount Shay “Ogi” Healy, 1943-2021. What’s another year?’
Healy’s two sons, Oisín and Fionáin, were there, as were some of his sisters and grandchildren.
‘He was so loved and the love is in the air here today,’ said Mr McColgan.
‘There are lots of friends and memories here. I’ve known and loved him for 50 years and I still miss him.’