Former principal of the Limerick School of Music passes away
TRIBUTES have been paid to Dr Patrick "Paddy" McCormack, former principal of the Limerick School of Music, following his sad passing.
Dr McCormack passed away peacefully at home on October 26 surrounded by his loving family.
Late of Lifford Gardens, Ballinacurra, Dr McCormack dedicated his life to the service of music and musicians in Limerick.
He was one of the first appointed teachers in the new Limerick School of Music in 1962, where he taught brass and reed before going on to be principal of the school for 13 years.
Dr McCormack was involved in many aspects of music in Limerick, including jazz and swing bands in the 1950s and 1960s.
He was the Boherbuoy Band bandmaster for many years, and the musical director of the McCormack Singers, the Dominican Church choir and Musica Sacra Chorale.
"Mr McCormack played such a huge role in members' lives, shaping and teaching us 'older members' the joy of playing music.
"Paddy joined the Boherbuoy as a young boy while his Dad, Davy was conductor at the time.
"When Paddy was conductor his son Damien played eb clarinet with the band, carrying on a legacy and tradition of a family steeped in music.
"The impact that Paddy had on the band will never be forgotten. May Mr McCormack rest in peace".
In his seventies, Dr McCormack graduated with a PhD in Music Composition.
Dr McCormack's son Damian paid tribute to his father and spoke of the legacy he leaves behind.
"His whole life philosophy was to engage others in the most beautiful music, either through his teaching, his musical direction, or being the musical fulcrum of large musical events in Limerick, everything from Brian McMahon’s Pageant in 1976 – which filled the Savoy for a week (as part of Limerick’s Civic Week programme), to the very popular Christmas concerts in the Redemptorists, where choral Limerick and the Boherbuoy band created the most amazing atmosphere.
"We owe Paddy, and his fellow musicians from that generation, a huge debt of gratitude for the rich musical legacy we embrace in Limerick today".
Limerick School of Music passed on their condolences to all who knew Mr McCormack and called him a "proud principal and Limerick man".
Dr McCormack is predeceased by beloved wife Evelyn, brothers Danny and David, and sister Marie.
Dearest brother of Bernie and dearly loved father of Gemma (Boldon), Edel (Wyse), Pat, Denise (O’Leary) and Damian.
He is sadly missed by his loving daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, adored grandchildren Maeve, Patrick, Aimee, Oliver, James, Oscar, Adam, Sarah, Ellen, Rachael and Jennifer, sister-in-law Gemma, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Reposing at Thompson's Funeral Home, Thomas Street on Tuesday, October 31 from 5pm to 6:30pm followed by removal to St. Joseph’s Church, O’Connell Avenue.
Requiem Mass will take place at 12 noon on Wednesday, November 1, followed by burial in Castlemungret Cemetery.
Paddy’s Requiem Mass will be live-streamed.
House private and damily flowers only please. Donations, if desired to Irish Hospice Foundation