Thousands say farewell to popular musician
THOUSANDS of mourners gathered in Tralee at the weekend to bid a fond farewell to one of Tralee’s best-known sons, musician Billy Curtin from Rae Street.
The internationally renowned jazz musician and showband star passed away on Thursday after an illness.
Some 2,000 mourners gathered at St John’s Church to pay their respects to the Curtin family at what was one of the largest funerals seen in Tralee for many years.
As befits a man of such musical talent, a host of Tralee and Kerry’s bestknown musicians attended the funeral ceremony and performed songs in Billy Curtin’s memory.
St John’s Church was full to overflowing for the emotional service, which was presided over by Fr Sean Hanafin.
Warm tributes were paid to the late musician and during the offertory procession his trademark saxophone and his first passport were among the symbols of his life that were laid before the altar.
During the service there were performances from local musicians Johnny Lynch and Billy Curtin’s brother, famed singer D.J Curtin sang a heartrending version of the Green Green Grass of Home.
A poem entitled ‘Billy the Kid’ specially composed by Tralee entertainer Mark Leen, a close friend of Billy Curtin, was also read out to the congregation.
Perhaps the most emotional moment of what was a deeply touching ceremony came when Billy Curtin’s first cousin Roddy Day delivered a moving eulogy extolling the many virtues of Mr Curtin.
With the service concluded Billy Curtin was given a guard of honour, led by some of Billy Curtin’s musical contemporaries George Raymond, Mossy O’shea and Cllr Johnnie Wall as his remains were taken from the church for cremation at a private ceremony in Cork.
Mr Curtin is survived by his wife Eleanor, daughters Judy and Shirley, brothers DJ, Alfie and John, sister Kathleen and extended family.