Anne O’Keeffe and Angela Roche pictured at the Memorial Night for Shay Lawlor former member of the Ritz Showband in the Talbot Hotel Photos: michaelorourkephotography.ie

Barbara and Eamonn Nolan 

KCLR’s James Lakes on behalf of Carlow musicians presents a plaque to Maria Lawlor wife of Shay in appreciation of his contribution to the music industry, also  pictured Shay’s daughter Dionne

Kris Lacey and Cathy Murphy 

At the Memorial Night for Shay Lawlor former member of the Ritz Showband in the Talbot Hotel Iris Corcoran and Betty Dowling

Marian McEvoy, Miriam Dowling and Maria Lawlor 

Pictured at the Memorial Night for Shay Lawlor former member of the Ritz Showband in the Talbot Hotel were James, Sandra and Jamie Murnane and Catherine Mulhall

Alistair Fingleton performing with Jimmy Byrne, Paul Quinlan and Mike Russell during the Memorial Night for Shay Lawlor 

By Suzanne Pender

A LOCAL family were overwhelmed by the love and support they received at a special memorial night for a much-loved husband, father, granddad and celebrated musician.

A memorial night for the late Shay Lawlor from The Downs, Pollerton, Carlow and a native of Duggan Avenue, Graiguecullen was held last week in the Talbot Hotel, Carlow.

“It was fantastic,” his daughter Dionne told The Nationalist.

“Daddy died at the end of January 2021, when we in the middle of a heavy lockdown. There were only 12 people in the church and that included those who carried the coffin, so we didn’t have all the stories and all the memories people had of him … we missed all that. Last Friday night gave us that back,” she added poignantly.

“It was huge, absolutely massive for us; it was great to be there and to talk to everyone and hear all their memories and stories of Daddy,” said Dionne.

“We were just privileged to have that, because so many people don’t get that,” she added.

Shay enjoyed an incredible 56 years in the music industry. A fine musician and singer, he is fondly remembered by fellow musicians and the many who enjoyed his performances over the years.

“He was an absolute character, a great showman and entertainer, who was almost 56 years in the business,” said James Lakes, MC for the night.

“The memorial night was a great way for everyone to remember Shay,” he added.

Among the musicians who took to the stage were Alistair Fingleton, Josie Kelly, Conor Lukeman, Ber Doyle, Ger Egerton, Monroe Carlow and a performance from Shay’s daughter Dionne.

The night finished with a performance by The Ritz Showband, which Shay was a member of.

A beautiful plaque was presented to Shay’s family in recognition of his contribution to music.