Statement by Taoiseach Simon Harris on the death of Paddy Cole

It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death of showband and music legend Paddy Cole.

Paddy was an exceptional music talent, a gifted performer, a warm-spirited person, and an 85-year-old who never grew old.

His achievements are eye-watering and his adventures almost swashbuckling, best captured in his excellent memoir, King of the Swingers.

Paddy almost became a butcher in his younger life, but the call of the saxophone and jazz was in his blood from his family in Castleblayney.

He joked that some people were born with silver spoons in their mouths, he was born with a silver sax. His admirers included Elvis, who came to see Paddy perform multiple times in Las Vegas.

Paddy was also a talented broadcaster on both RTÉ television and later the Paddy Cole Hour on weekend radio, the embodiment of the companionship and magic of a great radio show.

His first love always remained performing live, something he continued to do well into his 80s.

Paddy spoke with great dignity in recent years about his battle with cancer and to his wife Helen, his children, all his family and friends as well as those who loved and admired him, I am terribly sorry for your loss.

May he rest in peace.

ENDS