Passing of legendary Edenderry musician widely mourned

Warm tributes have been paid to the memory of legendary Edenderry musician, Sean Norman, who has passed away.

One of the most gifted musicians of his generation, and the legendary leader of the hugely-popular Sean Norman Ceili Band for over half a century, the accordion player extraordinaire passed away peacefully at Ofalia House in his beloved home town on Saturday last, September 24.

Sean Norman, who lived at Fr. Kearn's Street in Edenderry, formed the Sean Norman Ceili Band in 1965, and as well as being band leader and accordionist, he was also a wonderfully-gifted all round entertainer who quickly endeared himself to everyone he met with his quick wit, his boundless energy and his great sense of fun.

He called time on his long musical career at Fleadh Cheoil in Ennis in 2016 after over five decades, during which he was joined by over 100 different musicians who performed with him over on stages all over the world.

After performing at his final Fíor Céili before his retirement, Sean Norman was determined not to change the habit of a lifetime, so he had a mighty party afterwards. His final CD, a double album which was released to mark his retirement, was fittingly titled "50 years of mighty party nights."

Although he was a gifted accordionist, Sean Norman was also known to sing many a witty song and tell many a witty story. He was also an accomplished lilter and his quick wit and easy-going manner endeared him to young and old alike. He was hugely-popular among the Comhaltas community and never missed a Fleadh Cheoil or a Comhaltas get-together during his long career in music.

Despite his worldwide success, he never forgot his roots in Edenderry and was a very popular figure in his native town throughout his long life and was a member of the Edenderry Men's Shed in latter years.

Among the many tributes paid to the late Sean Norman this week was one from a lifelong friend which described how would be "playing the accordion in Heaven" and another tribute which said he would be "entertaining all the Saints in Heaven with his wonderful Irish music."

Sean will repose in Larkin's Funeral Home in Edenderry (Eircode R45 VK24) tomorrow evening, Tuesday, September 26, from 4pm to 8pm, and he will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery on Wednesday, September 27, following Requiem Mass in St. Mary's Church in Edenderry at 2pm.

He is predeceased by his wife Monica, sister Sr. Patrice and parents Stephen and Mary, and is deeply regretted and sadly missed by his family, children Cathal, Geraldine and Seamus, sister Margaret, grandchildren Desmond, Stephen, David, Michael, Emma and Darragh, great grandchildren Jake, Fionn and Millie, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, friends, fellow band members, musicians and the wider Comhaltas family.