Tributes to a legend of Limerick's bandhall scene

MUSICIANS from Limerick and further afield have paid tribute to a legend of the local brass band scene, who has sadly passed away.

Patrick, affectionately known as Pa, Phelan went to his God this Wednesday, sparking sadness across the musical community locally.

He was the longest serving member of the Boherbuoy Brass and Reed Band, based in the city, and was serving as its president.

"A true gentleman in every sense of the word," is how band conductor Andrew Jordan remembered Pa in a tribute posted to his Facebook page.

As a young child, Pa would sit on the steps of the Boherbuoy Band's premises at Lord Edward Street - near his childhood home of Stokes Lane - and listen to the melodies coming out from it.

He soon declared that he wanted to join the band, which is the oldest in Limerick, and so an older member of the group took the youngster under his wing, and mentored him.

One of Pa's seven children Hannah Phelan said: "Back then, they were so strict. You had to practice and practice, you had to get the tunes right. They played operatic pieces, overtures. These were difficult pieces of music."

She explained how he began by playing the euphonium.

"There was always such a beautiful tone and sound coming out of it. He made it sing really. It was his instrument," she smiled.

Early this morning My Dad entered the Gates of Heaven, Dad my hero, my friend, my music teacher, my tourist guide, my everything thing, I will so sadly miss him, who I lived with up to today, Rest in peace Dad and say hello to Mam for me, pic.twitter.com/5w8fBvqsZ2

— Eamonn Phelan (@eofaolain) May 31, 2023

But as he got older, Pa branched out into other instruments.

His brother started a dance band, and Pa, who latterly lived in Garryowen, played the drums and trumpet.

The euphonium remained his first love though, and he played this instrument in the University of Limerick Orchestra when it first started.

"He could play any brass instrument, but he couldn't play a reed instrument. He left that to his daughters," laughed Hannah.

The Boherbuoy Band remained at the centre of his life, and he held many different positions on the committee over the years.

Although it was music which was "in his blood", as his daughter put it, Pa also made sure his seven children were educated and provided for.

He worked in Danus, a suit maker, as well as at the former Tait Clothing Factory, also in Lord Edward Street.

Asked how she will remember her father, Hannah said: "Reading back on people's texts, the word which keeps coming up is gentleman. He used to love to tell stories on his life in the band, how the band formed. He remembered all his neighbours. He loved to sit down in Slattery's Pub straight across the road from the band hall. He loved a good auld laugh, a good auld joke."

Conductor Mr Jordan wrote on Facebook: "Pa was a man we have all learned so much from. He was always so generous with his time and always had a word of wisdom to share and definitely was never short of a story to tell. His legacy will live on in the Boherbuoy Band and the banding world for a long time to come."

Members of fellow city group, the St John's Brass and Reed Band also paid tribute.

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"He was an outstanding musician and a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Never short of a positive word of encouragement to young and old musicians, he was an example to all. His love of music and band tradition  in Limerick was infectious," they wrote.

Pa passed away peacefully this Wednesday in St Camillus Hospital.

He is predeceased by his beloved wife Kathleen, and sadly missed by sons Eamonn, Dermott and Donald, daughters Mary, Norma, Hannah and Kathleen, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He will repose this Thursday evening, June 1, at Cross's Funeral Home, in Lower Gerald Griffin St, Limerick from 5pm to 6.30pm. His requiem Mass takes place on Friday, June 2, at 12 noon in St. Brigid's Church, followed by burial in Mount St. Oliver Cemetery.

A local musical legend, may he rest in eternal peace.